Trent A. Gudgel, General Counsel with Flintco, LLC. F&CS Board Vice President, Program Evaluation, Quality Assurance and Risk (PEQAR).
TRENT A. GUDGEL
Gudgel serves on the Family & Children’s Services Board of Directors as vice president of program evaluation, quality assurance, and risk.
Q: What is the biggest thing you have learned as an F&CS board member?
A: I have learned so many things during my time as an F&CS board member. We have so many outstanding and truly talented people working at all levels within the organization. We have great leadership from Gail Lapidus to the frontline counselors and healthcare professionals who make a difference every day. The biggest thing I have learned is that there is a tremendous need for the services F&CS provides. Unfortunately, so many people in our community are in need and have no safety net or the resources to get help. F&CS fills a huge need in so many areas from crisis services like COPES for Kids, adult and family counseling to Women in Recovery to child abuse and trauma services and so many more. I am amazed at all the services F&CS provides and the passion and commitment of the people who work here.
Q: What qualities do you think are the most important for a successful board member?
A: F&CS has an excellent board of directors with many skill sets and talents that benefit the organization. Some qualities I have seen in successful board members that I think are important are care and concern for the people who work here and the people F&CS serves, intentional and thoughtful decision making so that each choice aligns with the organization’s mission and vision, integrity and professionalism in representing the organization and in the way they conduct themselves at board meetings, and a genuine desire to serve others.
Chris Murphy, Partner, and CPA at BKD, LLP. F&CS Board Vice President of Finance
CHRIS MURPHY
Murphy serves on the Family & Children’s Services Board of Directors as vice president of finance.
Q: What have you enjoyed most about serving on the F&CS Board?
A: It’s hard to pin down a single thing I enjoy most. After about 15 years on the board, I can say I still come to the meetings and learn new ways F&CS is helping those most in need in our community. In my career as an auditor and consultant I’ve presented information and gotten to know dozens of boards very well – some see their role as oversight, some as community ambassadors, some as cheerleaders, some as concerned citizens. F&CS’ Board of Directors is unique in my experience – our varied talents and experiences are valued, and our relationship with Gail and the leadership team is very collaborative. Board members are encouraged to share their views and experiences, and I’ve learned a lot over the years from fellow board members’ perspectives. The longer I serve on this Board, the more proud I am to be a small part of this amazing organization that is so important to my community. This is never going to get old.
Q: What qualities do you think are the most important for a successful board member?
A: It’s a little like what they tell you about tithing at church…we all have something to give, whether it’s our time, our treasure, or our talent. Our Board is a pretty darn gifted group of folks – the trick is to give what you can and maybe a little outside your comfort zone, whether that’s volunteering or serving on an event or fundraising committee, donating financial resources or thrift store goods, or sharing your expertise. The more we share, the more we grow a passion for the mission of F&CS.
Joshua Roby, Senior Vice President at Grand Bank and F&CS Board Vice President of Resource Development
JOSHUA ROBY
Roby serves on the Family & Children’s Services Board of Directors as vice president of resource development.
Q: How did you first get involved with F&CS?
A: My first official involvement with F&CS was as Fundraising Chair for White Party (WP-7) in 2014 at the request (some would say strong-arm) of Hamel Reinmiller and Rob Sher. Prior to that time I had donated and attended events at the request of Jono Helmrich.
Q: What qualities do you think are the most important for a successful board member?
A: We all have unique qualities that can be leveraged by the executive committee and staff to great benefit; but, being engaged is the most important. A successful board member must engage in the organization by using their expertise and passion to further the mission of F&CS.
