One in a series of profiles of the people who make our work possible.
Where do you live?
I live in Duluth, Georgia.
What is your current job? What does it involve?
I’m currently an Account Executive with Siemens’ Building Performance and Sustainability group. I’m responsible for the growth and development of our energy services and energy management business here in the State of Georgia, specifically in the education and municipal markets segments.
How did you learn about Future Foundation?
I learned about Future Foundation through its CEO. I reconnected with Qaadirah at the annual South Metro Development Outlook conference about 18 months ago. I was intrigued as she shared the history, mission, and successes of Future Foundation. Working in the education space and being a global technology provider, Siemens has developed a number of programs to assist schools with increasing interest in Science, Engineering, Math and Technology (STEM). Given the population Future Foundation serves, I immediately saw an opportunity for partnership.
Describe your activities as a Future Foundation board member.
A little history—my activity began on the Strategic Planning Committee, where I had the opportunity to learn from Chuck Kinnebrew. His organizational and task leadership skills stood as a clear example of how to effectively chair a committee. From assembling the committee itself; to outlining objectives and metrics; to empowering committee members to succeed, this is how it’s done. As the new chair of the Finance Committee, I’m looking forward to bringing some of the approaches I learned to meet the challenges of budget development and acceptance, financial oversight and review, and impacting the ongoing fiscal strategy.
Other activities include participating in volunteer events; participating in fundraising efforts; and taking every opportunity to discuss the work Future Foundation is doing.
Are you involved in any other volunteer activities?
Not at this level, no.
What do you hope to gain from volunteering?
In many ways, my upbringing was like that of many of the kids who attend Reef House—I know it’s by the grace of God that I find myself where I am and blessed in so many ways. If I can lend any of the talents He’s given me to help these young people defy the odds and experience success and personal fulfillment, then I jump at the chance.
What is your vision for the future of Future Foundation?
The work done by Future Foundation is so critical to the community. I want the very successful programs Future Foundation offers to become both more scalable and portable. Future Foundation is on its way to becoming a common name among non-profit organizations—I only hope I can contribute to it getting there more quickly.