Online Voting Starts March 1!!!

Eligible voters are Donors who gave at least $36.50 to the Foundation during the 2008-2009 fiscal year. 
New for the 2010 election: A $365 or more unrestricted donation from a Club, not individuals in a Club,
can qualify the Club for one vote to be cast by the Club’s Foundation Representative.

Below are the nominee's biographies.

West Des Moines, IA
Technology Manager,
Wells Fargo Merchant Services

Candidate’s Statement
I would be an asset to the OIF Board due to my extensive management experience working with diverse groups of people, my love for the organization and its principles, and my passion for making a positive impact on the children we serve and our members.

I have been a supporter of the US Foundation to a high level for many years including becoming a President’s Club charter member and a member of both the Christian D. Larson Partners and William H. Harrison Society.

My undergraduate work is in Accounting and Business Management and my MBA is in Technology Management. I have a diverse background of working with and serving on the boards of several not for profit health agencies and I served as the Chair for Community Health Charities Iowa (CHC), a federation of health agencies. One of the many accomplishments during my tenure with CHC was to increase the fundraising from approximately $140,000 per year to just over one million dollars annually. This was in a large part due to contract negotiations that I was an instrumental architect in getting created and implemented.

My passion is for this organization and ensuring its on-going health and success. One of the ways to ensure that success is to maintain a very healthy and vibrant Foundation. If each member actually engaged in the “One More/One Less” concept, our organization would grow tremendously. This concept is based on providing one more dollar and one more activity to the kids and to OI, while only moving one dollar from their normal activities. That means one less high-end coffee every other day or one less soda every other day. We will hardly notice the difference in our personal lives, but the difference to the kids and the organization will be noticed quickly.

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Bay City, MI
Controller of Treasury Operations
Beacon Hospice, Inc.

Candidate’s Statement

I strongly believe in the Optimist International mission statement and OIF is very dear to me because this is what funds the programs that OI is able to offer the youth in our communities.  For 30 of the 35 years of my banking career, I had various management positions, including managing the Operations department of 200+ employees.  This along with my current position as Controller of Treasury Operations for Beacon Hospice, the largest hospice in New England, will enable me to assist with the financial management aspects of OIF.

I was one of the early Christian D. Larson Partners and am a member of the William H. Harrison Society.  I am the second highest donor in the Michigan District for life to date contributions, which indicates my commitment to the Foundation and its objectives.  During my year as DFR, I set a new record for our District for unrestricted donations.  I am willing to do whatever I can to spread the word about Optimist International Foundation, its goals and objectives, and raising money for our cause.  I am currently a member of the Women’s Philanthropy Council.  In 2007, I was inducted into the Michigan District Hall of Fame.  In addition to being a member of the Bay City Noon Optimist Club (my home club), I am also a member of the Breakfast Optimist Club of Kalamazoo and the Central Macomb Optimist Club.  I have the support and encouragement of my family to fulfill this position.

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Plover, WI
Owner
Van Dreser & Associates

An Optimist since 1987
Home Club: Stevens Point Noon Optimist Club, WI

Foundation involvement:
Presidents Club Member 2003-2004
Century Circle Member
Friend of Today 2003-2004
Benefactor

Understanding of business practices: 
Administrative/Management
Investment Management
Financial Planning
Marketing
Public Relations
Fundraising
Planned Giving

Offices/Awards: (Governor and Higher)
Optimist International Governor 2001-2002
District Foundation Representative 2003-2004

Candidate’s Statement
I will be asset to the Board of Directors because of my background in financial matters and working with other non-profit and volunteer groups.  I have a very strong understanding of Optimist International; its policies, programs, and methods of functioning.  I am also a good communicator able to both listen to and present ideas effectively.  I do not make rash decisions without first looking at the issues and their impact on the organization as a whole.

My background with Optimist International, both in my District, WINUM, and at the International level serving two year on an International Committee has given me a very deep and broad understanding of who we are, and what we need to do for the future.  I have seen our Clubs, Districts and Optimist International evolve in my 22 plus years as a member.  I realize we must continue to change with the changing attitudes of society and continue to make decisions, which are in the best interest of our members as a whole.  Optimist International Foundation is, and must continue to be, the funding arm of Optimist International. This can only be accomplished by utilizing the tools afforded us by our countries respective tax and donation laws and financial strength.  A strong Foundation will help create a strong Optimist International.

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