Positions I’ve held: CEO of a community health center in Salt Lake City providing health and dental care for the homeless. Ran Chicago non-profit offering affordable housing to homeless. Ran free health center in Chicago for 15 years. Present: Executive director of The Community Foundation of South Lake County (CFSLC)

My greatest professional achievements: Expanding services to have a mobile medical unit when I was in Utah. It was a first for that health center. A lot of people didn’t have transportation to the health center, so we met people where they were. 

Awards: I received the Excellence in Administrative Leadership Award from the Association of Utah Health Centers and the Award for Collaboration and Innovation from the Homeless Service Providers in Utah. I was also one of Utah Business Magazine’s 30 Women to Watch. In addition, I was Provider of the Year for the Campaign for Better Health Care in Illinois

What motivates me: Making sure that the community I live in has access to the services they need. Most of my adult life has been one of service.

My greatest personal achievement: Skiing down a black diamond hill.

Unusual job I had: Working at the medical examiner’s office for two years after college.

Four words that best describe me: Adventurous. Loyal. Compassionate. Funny.

Favorite Florida vacation destination: The Keys. I’ve been coming to Florida for vacation my entire life and have fond memories there with my family.

Area I want to explore: The Everglades. I’ve heard great things about the conservation going on there. 

In my spare time you’ll find me: Riding my bike trying to keep up with Larry, an avid cyclist! Cooking and trying to recreate the food I eat in other countries when traveling.

Pets: Larry and I have five cats, all rescues, two with special needs. They’re our “fur children.”

Words I live by: Gratitude and appreciation. I always recognize that we have different opportunities. We need to take advantage of them and appreciate them.        

Fun fact: I was the choreographer for the Illinois Junior Miss program for two years right out of high school.