Dana Baldwin
How did you first get involved with F&CS?
In 2003, I was practicing law with what was the Jones Givens Law Firm, and an effort was being made to increase the firm’s attorneys’ community involvement. I was asked by the PR firm working with Jones Givens if I would be interested in joining the F&CS Board. That happened, and I fell in love the agency and have never left the Board – despite a couple of job changes since 2003! Thank you, Gail!
What qualities do you think are the most important for a successful board member?
Commitment to and passion for the agency’s mission and programs; engagement with an understanding of the agency’s programs; energetic advocate within the community (and State Legislature!) for the agency, its employees and its clients; financially supportive of the agency.
Gary Betow
How did you first get involved with F&CS?
Before I moved to Tulsa in 1989, I served on the Board of Sunbeam Family Services in Oklahoma City. Having learned from my tenure at Sunbeam the important work that family services agencies do, I sought out F&CS after we moved to Tulsa and asked if there might be a place for me on the F&CS Board. After some extreme vetting (anyone from OKC is suspicious, right?), I was brought onto the F&CS Board in 1990 and have served continuously since then.
What qualities do you think are the most important for a successful board member?
These are not necessarily qualities, but to be a successful Board member, you have to stay committed, find a need and fill it (FANAFI), sharpen your listening skills, speak up when you have something to offer, and realize that what you do as a Board member makes a positive difference in the lives of so many families and children, even though you may never meet them.
Carl Bracy
How did you first get involved with F&CS?
I met Gail Lapidus some 20 years ago at a community function through a mutual friend named Felecia Collins Correia, then Director of DVIS. During one of the conversational points, Gail mentioned to me about F&CS Board possibilities. At the time, I was actively involved with other boards in the Tulsa community. I thought if I joined, I could share my knowledge and experiences in finance, insurance, etc., that could possibly benefit the agency in some way. The rest is history….
You could also call me a recycled board member. I left the board at one point because of my other business obligations. That didn’t last very long as Gail persuaded me to come back to the board several years ago.
What qualities do you think are the most important for a successful board member?
Here are a few that come to mind:
- Being a servant leader in good judgment and balance.
Have a diligence and passion to support the vision and mission of the agency. - See the big picture.
- Is an advocate and ambassador for the agency.
- Have a desire to bring and share your expertise and experiences with the board and serve on committees.
- Have the ability and propensity to financially support the agency.
- Actively participate in substance during board meetings.
