Hello fellow Optimists! I’m Deanna Morrow, from the GATEway District, and a candidate in the upcoming election for the Board of Directors of the Optimist International Foundation.

As I think back, a pivotal moment in my life was the day, in 1991, when someone invited me to join an Optimist Club. Currently, I am a member of the Optimist Club of Carrollton and the YAYA Xpress Optimist Club in the GATEway District. For over 30 years, I have had the opportunity to grow in leadership. My highlights include Honor Club President (twice), Distinguished Lt. Governor, District Governor, and a variety of committee chairs at the Club and District levels. I have served on a number of committees at the International level, including Leadership Development, where I am the current Chair for 2020-2022. I was honored to represent the Southeast as an International Vice-President in 2014-2015. I am also a Certified International Trainer for our organization. Through my long-term service, I have gained knowledge and experience that will enhance the Board’s decision-making process. The capacity to assess issues and developments based on understanding is fundamental.

I recently retired from a 40-year career as a media specialist in the Douglas County School System in Georgia, where I was tasked with responsibilities and developed skills that will allow me to serve effectively on the OIF Board. Strategic planning, goal setting, and grant-writing were primary job functions, as well as budget development and the management of local, state, and federal funds. Efficient program administration and communication, encompassing both media and technology, was essential. Maintaining a strong leadership role with creativity and innovation was vital, as I learned the value of working collaboratively. In 2019, I was also asked to fill a Board position on the Douglas County Education Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization, which works to further educational pursuits. During my term, I welcomed the opportunity to contribute and experience Board service, first-hand.

I am committed to the Optimist International Foundation. In 2002-2003, I was honored to serve as the District Foundation Representative, breaking our previous fundraising records by developing relationships with individual members and Clubs. In 2014-2017, I served as a member of the Women’s Philanthropy Council, and I have been a member of the Childhood Health and Wellness Grant Committee since 2020. Because the Foundation plays such an integral role in all that we do as Optimists, I believe that every member should willingly contribute at the Dime-a-Day level. I personally support the Foundation each year through various opportunities for giving and will soon reach the status of Eminent Benefactor.

The Foundation Board is critical in planning our direction to ensure the activities we provide to the young people we serve can be delivered effectively and efficiently. Innovation will take us securely into the future with the development of new ideas and solutions for the challenges we face. We must think strategically, but also creatively, to help members and Clubs understand the role and function of the Foundation in order to build stronger partnerships and encourage participation. The importance of keeping our members informed about the opportunities available through the Foundation should not be overlooked. Our success stories must be kept at the forefront, and they must be shared. Engaging more members through appropriate messaging, training, and targeted marketing campaigns can all play a role in ensuring their understanding. Individuals must be able to “see themselves” in the process and know that the impact is real before they will participate freely and generously.

I believe in the mission of the Optimist International Foundation. It is my desire to offer my time, talents, and dedication to make a difference. I have the curiosity to learn, the motivation to do the job, and the determination to ensure our Foundation’s long-term success. I am asking for your support in the upcoming Board election.