Greetings fellow Optimists! I’m Jennifer Kendo your candidate for the Optimist International Foundation Board of Directors. I’ve been a member of the Kettering Noon Optimist Club and the Ohio District of Optimist International for over 33 years. I’m also the President of the GreeneMont Voices Special Needs Optimist Club. Since 1990, I have taken advantage of the opportunities presented to me by being a member of Optimist International, to serve in almost every leadership position at the Club, Zone, and District level; including Governor of the Ohio District in 2020-2021. I’ve also served at the International level on committees for both Optimist International and the Optimist International Foundation.

At the International level I have served on the OIF Women’s Philanthropy Council 2010-2012, served as a District Foundation Representative for 7 years – Distinguished 3 years, Distinguished and Outstanding 1 year (2023) and served on the Childhood Cancer Campaign Grant Committee for 2 years. I have been a New Club Building District Field Representative since 2018, served on the Leadership Development Committee for 2 years and served on the International Ad Hoc Awards Committee for ICD-135 for 2 years. I am an Optimist Leadership Academy graduate from 2018. I will bring all of my Optimist knowledge and experience to the Optimist International Foundation Board.

I earned my BS in Accounting and MBA from the University of Dayton. I have worked for over 35 years in accounting and finance at an international energy corporation managing multi-million-dollar contracts. I have managed teams for over 20 years. I would bring my business experience and success to the O.I.F Board.

As a member of Optimist International for more than the past 33 years, I have witnessed members donating their time, talent and treasure to Optimist International and the Optimist International Foundation. As a member of the Optimist International Board of Directors my goal would be to increase the understanding of what the Foundation does for our clubs, our members and ultimately the youth in our communities. I would motivate more of our Optimist clubs and members to support our own Foundation. By increasing the participation in giving to the Foundation we can expand the Foundation’s incredible philanthropy and programs specifically for Optimist International members.

I would be an asset to the Optimist International Foundation Board by having a positive impact on the board members and the Optimist International Foundation. I would bring value through my knowledge, experience, skills and personality. I have 35 plus years of corporate accounting and finance experience. The ability to analyze various scenarios and make difficult decisions, if necessary. I can inspire those around me and I will provide a resource that other board members can rely upon. I have very good communication skills and I can complete tasks independently. I work well with others, especially with those that have different strengths and weaknesses than me. I manage projects well and help others work more efficiently together. I exude passion which helps motivate those around me to accomplish our goals. By being passionate, I would help create quality results, and motivate others to work in a similar way.

I not only believe in the mission of OIF, but I have been a significant donor during my Optimist career. I have supported the Dime-A-Day and Woman’s Philanthropy Council programs. I am a member of the President’s Club, a Christian D. Larson Partner and the William H. Harrison Society. I have obtained the Bronze Benefactor level of giving. It is my honor to be nominated as a candidate, for the position of Director, of the Optimist International Foundation Board. I pledge to use my time, talents, treasure, and dedication to make a difference on the Board of our Foundation. I am asking for your support and your vote in the upcoming Optimist International Foundation Board election. Thank you for your support and your interest in our Foundation.