Home: Atlanta, GA. Age: Forty-something. Birthplace: Pensacola, FL. Profession: Agent of change. Organization: National Scleroderma Foundation. Title: Chief Executive Officer. Preferred pronouns: She/Her/Hers. Significant other: My wonderful husband, Shannon. Alma mater: University of Alabama at Birmingham (Go Blazers!). Languages spoken: English.
Current project: Finishing up an ambitious strategic plan after joining the organization mid-stream. Recent professional development: Joining CHIEF. It’s such an incredible community and I’m honored to be a part of it. Latest contribution to others: I am fortunate to serve an organization that provides hope and support to people with scleroderma, to their loved ones and to their support networks each and every day. What’s been your big (or biggest) leap? Shifting my career trajectory from academic research to nonprofit work. Super scary, but so rewarding! Hobbies: Photography, travel. Recent travel or adventure: We got to see our hometown team, the Atlanta Braves, play in the World Series at Truist Park. Total bucket list moment! Recently viewed and recommended: Yellowstone. Recent unique acquisition: The tiniest needlepoint pillow. Latest Obsession: Swindler documentaries.
Personality profile: Total Type A. High energy and in it to win it. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Enthusiastic. Moral compass: Prayer and meditation. How do you define a perfect friendship? One where you don’t have to talk every single day but you know they always have your back, and you have theirs. How do you define an ideal business relationship? A collaborative, mutually beneficial relationship where you can innovate together for the good of your shared mission. What is your greatest joy? My two rescue pups, Darcy and Luma. What is your greatest fear? Failure. What is your guilty pleasure? Yacht rock. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Nurses.
What three emojis best describe you? 🤦🏼♀️🍷🔥.
What is at the top of your bucket list? French cooking school at La Peetch. How do you relieve stress? Deep tissue massages and wine. What's your ideal weekend activity? Trying a fun, new recipe with a great glass of wine in hand. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Sunshine!
What book have you repeatedly read? Team of Rivals, by Doris Kearns Goodwin. What movie have you repeatedly watched? Elf. What’s featured prominently on your home or office wall? Photos from our travels. Who has had the greatest influence on your life? My husband, Shannon. He is SO wise. What is the best advice you received growing up?Be kind. You never know what someone else is going through. What is the best advice you received in your career? Work smarter, not harder. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? In-flight wifi. What is your favorite app? Instagram. What is your go-to source of news and information? The Daily, The Skimm. What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? Nature.
What is your big idea? Personalized medicine for people with chronic diseases. Getting the right treatment to the right person at the right time. What change would you like to see in the world? More love, less hate. What message do you want to send out into the world? Be kind and compassionate to one another (Ephesians 4:32). What widely held belief do you reject? An old dog can’t learn new tricks. What mega-trend most excites you? Precision medicine. What mega-trend most concerns you? Data privacy (or, the lack thereof).
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? What She Was Thinking. What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Nicole Kidman. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A secretary. I wanted ALL the office supplies. What object would you first save from your burning home? The quilt my grandmother made for me. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? On the boat with Shannon and the dogs. What advice would you give your younger self? It’s all going to be alright.
Personal mission: To serve as a source of hope and inspiration. Personal motto: Be kind. Show grace. Favorite quote: “If you're working on a problem you can solve in your own lifetime, you're not thinking big enough” (Wes Jackson). Desired epitaph: She lived, she laughed, she loved.
