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Astrological sign: Gemini
Favorite quote: I want to stand as close to the edge as I can without going over. Out on the edge you see all the kinds of things you can't see from the center. – Kurt Vonnegut
Favorite book: One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey
Hobbies: Cooking. Reading literature. Debating. Doing anything that requires creative mental energy, such as writing, drawing, etc. Going on fad diets (just kidding). Speaking the little bit of Spanish I know to my daughter, which annoys her a great deal. Common remarks include: ¡Sienta te! (Sit down!), ¡Calla te! (Be quiet!), and ¡Cuidado con la cabeza! (Careful with your head!).
Favorite rural destination in California: Pretty much anywhere along the coast from Sonoma County on up. I also have fond memories of annual family camping trips to the Redwood National Forest. I wish I could live there.
How long with CSRHA: 4 ½ years
Positions held with CSRHA: Policy and Research Intern; Development Manager
Current position and responsibilities: I am called the “Development Director,” but I do a little bit of everything. A typical day in my current position can include writing a grant, planning the annual conference or Member Appreciation Luncheon, developing or implementing targeted membership recruitment strategies, writing and editing policy and issue briefs on critical issues, designing publications and promotional materials, coordinating the efforts of the board-level Membership Taskforce, and overseeing the development and publication of the weekly electronic “Member Updates” as well as the Rural Health Advocate, CSRHA’s quarterly electronic newsletter.
Favorite CSRHA memory: I have so many; it’s hard to choose which one! I guess the most recent CSRHA memorable moment occurred the evening before the 2007 Board of Directors retreat, when everyone was treated to a wonderful dinner at a restaurant called the Ocean Room. In addition to getting to know the board members at my table a little better, I was flattered to find I attracted the interest of Juan, our handsome waiter. By the time our meal was over, he had given me his bracelet of square wooden beads depicting Jesus clad in a long, flowing robe and a glowing halo. He told me to wear it always. I wear it sometimes.
Hopes and goals for 2008: I am in the process of formalizing CSRHA’s 2008 membership development and communication strategy/work plan(s), and I am very excited to work on elevating the visibility of CSRHA and its accomplishments among the membership, policymakers and the media this year. I am also very enthusiastic about the recently established vision statement, empowered rural people creating healthy rural communities, which was approved by the board of directors during the December 2007 meeting. I plan to focus very aggressively on strategic fundraising efforts to grow the financial capacity of CSRHA this year. This will enable CSRHA to pursue the new vision through the development of programs and services that provide a direct benefit to rural community residents at the local level.
Article posted on 1/17/08
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