Education:

BA-Communication Studies-University of Texas-Arlington MA Communication Studies--University of Texas-Arlington

Professional Background:

Results-driven Marketing/Communication Project Manager with 20+ years of experience leading cross-functional teams, managing complex, multi-phase initiatives, and delivering projects on time and within budget. Proven ability to scope work, control schedules and costs, manage vendors, and align stakeholders across marketing, creative, manufacturing, and operations. Exceptional communicator with a track record of process improvement, risk mitigation, and resource optimization in fast-paced environments. A communications leader with experience developing and directing integrated communication strategies that support business objectives, strengthen brand reputation, and align internal and external stakeholders. Proven success leading teams, shaping messaging, managing agencies, and delivering high-impact communications across marketing, operations, manufacturing, and executive leadership environments

What qualifications and experiences prepare you for this role?

I am uniquely qualified to serve as Vice President of Optimist International because I combine more than three decades of dedicated service to the organization with a proven professional record of leadership, execution, and strategic communication. A member since 1991, I have held leadership roles at the club, district, and international levels, giving me a deep understanding of Optimist International’s mission, governance, and the needs of our members at every tier. Professionally, I bring over 20 years of experience as a results-driven marketing and communications project manager, leading cross-functional teams, managing complex, multi-phase initiatives, and consistently delivering outcomes on time and within budget. My background includes aligning diverse stakeholders, managing vendors and agencies, mitigating risk, improving processes, and optimizing resources in fast-paced environments. As a communications leader, I have successfully developed and directed integrated strategies that strengthen brands, clarify messaging, and support organizational objectives—skills that directly translate to advancing Optimist International’s visibility, effectiveness, and impact. This combination of long-standing institutional knowledge, collaborative leadership, and disciplined execution equips me to serve Optimist International with clarity, accountability, and a strong focus on results.

What are your top priorities?

1. Strengthen and Support Clubs at the Local Level

   My highest priority is ensuring clubs have the tools, guidance, and support they need to remain strong, relevant, and impactful in their communities. This includes improving access to resources, sharing best practices across districts, and removing barriers that make it difficult for clubs to recruit, retain, and engage members.

2. Grow and Retain Membership Through Clear Value and Engagement

   Sustainable growth depends on clearly communicating the value of Optimist membership. I will focus on supporting membership growth strategies that emphasize meaningful service, leadership development, and personal connection—while also improving retention by helping members feel informed, valued, and heard.

3. Improve Communication and Alignment Across All Levels

   Effective communication is crucial to an organization's success. I will prioritize clear, consistent, and transparent communication between the international board, districts, clubs, and members. By aligning messaging and improving information flow, we can reduce confusion, increase participation, and strengthen trust throughout the organization.

4. Leverage Strategic Planning and Operational Excellence

   Drawing on my experience managing complex, multi-phase initiatives, I will focus on disciplined planning, accountability, and execution. This includes aligning strategic goals with measurable outcomes, managing resources responsibly, and supporting initiatives that deliver the greatest impact for youth and communities.

5. Support Leadership Development and Volunteer Success

   Optimist International thrives because of committed volunteers. A key priority will be strengthening leadership development at every level—equipping current and future leaders with the skills, confidence, and support they need to succeed and to inspire others to serve.

6. Enhance the Brand and Public Awareness of Optimism

   To ensure long-term relevance, we must continue to strengthen the Optimist International brand. I will support efforts to modernize and amplify our message, highlight the impact of our programs, and help position Optimist International as a trusted, forward-thinking organization dedicated to bringing out the best in youth and communities.

How will you support and strengthen local Clubs, Districts and the Optimist International Organization?

Why should members vote for you?

Members should vote for me because I bring a deep, long standing commitment to Optimist International and a leadership style grounded in service, collaboration, and results. As a member since 1991 with experience at the club, district, and international levels, I understand the organization from the grassroots up and know the importance of supporting volunteers where the work truly happens. I believe the role of international leadership is to listen, communicate clearly, and provide practical support that helps clubs and districts thrive. With more than 20 years of professional experience leading teams and complex initiatives, I bring strong communication, follow through, and strategic thinking to the role. Most importantly, I care deeply about Optimist International, its members, and its future, and I am committed to strengthening clubs, growing meaningful membership, developing leaders, and ensuring our organization remains strong, connected, and focused on bringing out the best in youth and communities.

Final Statement to Members:

Fellow Optimists,

Optimism has been part of my life since 1991. For more than 30 years, this organization has given me the opportunity to serve, to lead, and—most importantly—to be part of something larger than myself. Like many of you, I didn’t join Optimist International for a title or a position; I joined because I believe in bringing out the best in youth, in our communities, and in each other.

Over the years, I have served at the club, district, and international levels, and those experiences have shaped how I view leadership. I have seen what works, where we struggle, and how much our success depends on the strength of our local clubs and the volunteers who give their time and energy every day. As Vice President, my focus will always begin there—with our clubs.

I believe the role of the international organization is to support, not complicate; to listen, not dictate; and to empower clubs and districts to succeed in ways that work for their communities. I will advocate for clearer communication, better tools, and practical resources that help clubs grow, adapt, and stay energized. Strong districts play a critical role in connecting clubs, developing leaders, and sharing best practices, and I am committed to strengthening that connection, so no club or leader feels isolated or unheard.

Membership growth and retention are incredibly important to me, not just in numbers, but in people. People stay in Optimist when they feel welcomed, informed, and valued. I want to help ensure that new members understand the joy and purpose of Optimism—and that longtime members continue to feel appreciated and engaged.

In my professional life, I’ve spent more than 20 years leading teams, managing complex initiatives, and bringing people together around shared goals. I bring that experience to Optimist International with a servant leader mindset—focused on collaboration, follow through, and results that truly matter.

I also care deeply about leadership development. Our future depends on preparing and supporting the next generation of Optimist leaders, and that means mentoring, training, and encouraging volunteers at every level to step forward with confidence.

Finally, I believe we must continue to strengthen the Optimist International brand by clearly telling our story, sharing our impact, and making sure others understand who we are and why our work matters. When we tell our story well, we attract new members, new partners, and new opportunities to serve.

I am running for Vice President because I care about this organization, its people, and its future. I would be honored to serve and to work alongside each of you as we continue building strong clubs, strong districts, and a strong Optimist International.

Thank you for your trust and your support.