Occupation and Employer:
President and CEO of Arizona Animal Welfare League
Accomplishments and Interests:
I was born in Des Moines, Iowa and have lived in Georgia, Wisconsin,
New York and, now, Phoenix. I moved here 3 years ago. My major career was with
American Express in New York city - I was there for 16 years: 8 years as
VP of Consulting Services and 8 years as Vice President of Multi-National Accounts
and Business Development. I left Amex in 1997 and took some time off to travel and
refresh -- got bored and started consulting with non-profit organizations which led to
my next job as Director of Development for the Cinema Arts Centre in New York.
A great place with lots of great independent films a personal appearances by actors,
directors, casts, etc.
After the 22nd snow storm in 2005, I decided to move to Arizona where my son was living.
My daughter moved with me. After learning a major life lesson - patience -- I finally ended up
in the perfect place for me - combining my love for animals with the opportunity to use
my corporate management skills - at the Arizona Animal Welfare League and SPCA.
I LOVE my job! I also love to travel, read, boating, fine dining, movies and being with
family and friends.
Personal and Career Goals:
My personal goal right now is to expand my group of friends.
I have many friends in New York, and in other parts of the country,
but haven't yet found my "group" here in Phoenix. I'm hoping to meet some
kindred souls in Toastmasters and other organizations to which I belong.
My career goal is to keep doing what I'm doing - Improve, expand and maintain AAWL/SPCA
as the best shelter in Arizona, and to work to improve the lives of animals of all kinds.
Communication and Leadership Goals
What objectives do you hope to accomplish as a member of Chats Toastmasters?
Having become quite rusty in public speaking, I hope to recapture the comfort I used to feel in public
speaking and to make new friends along the way. I'd also like to contribute to the club and become
proficient at many of the functionary roles.
Is public speaking a requirement of your job or profession?
Yes, I do media interviews and speak in front of groups.
How would you describe your current skill level as a speaker?
Rusty - I used to do a lot of public speaking and I become quite
good at it because I was talking about subjects I knew well. I find
it harder to "act" and speak about things I know nothing about
(like table topics) - but it's great practice to make you think on your feet.
Do you have any specific fears relative to public speaking?
I never wanted to be an actress - although I was very involved in theatre
(behind the scenes). I find Toastmasters to be very much like acting -
playing a role that isn't really me. I'd much rather just be me and
give a speech on a subject I know and holding the interest of the audience.
I can see how the exercises help you get to that point - but I find the
"acting" part of it to be very uncomfortable.
Why did you choose to join Chats Toastmasters?
I was encouraged to join by the Chair of the Board of AAWL/SPCA and
I can see the benefits of belonging to the organization and improving
my skills to do interviews, etc.
What can Chats Toastmasters do to help you accomplish your goals?
What they do best - honest feedback and great support.
Tell the group anything else that you’d like us to know about you!!
I have two 2-legged kids - Mark and Laurie. Mark just got married
in April to a wonderful young lady from Burma, Thida. I also have
two 4-legged kids, a spaniel named Bella and a "junkyard dog", named Penny.
I'm happily single (divorced) and enjoying life - I love Arizona and
all the wonderful day trips you can make.
