People You Should Know: Valorie Livingston
AGE: Need to Know Basis! LOL
JOB DESCRIPTION: I provide leadership, direction and support to the Board of Directors in developing organizational goals, attaining, allocating and managing resources, and establishing policies. I work closely with the staff to develop and reach our key performance outcomes with the youth. (I would like to personally commend the staff for dedicating their time, talent and effort with our community youth through tough financial times and leadership changes.)
YEARS LIVED IN COLUMBIA: I moved to Columbia in 1990 for college and stayed.
ORIGINAL HOMETOWN: Bowling Green, Missouri. Population 3,022! Yee Haw!
EDUCATION: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Columbia College.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Chamber of Commerce ambassador and co-chair of membership committee, Women’s Network steering liaison, Metro Rotary membership committee co-chair.
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND: I was employed for 15 years in the dental industry, where I learned how to manage a business and staff that expanded by 500 percent during my tenure. But you know what they say, “If you’ve seen one tooth, you’ve seen them all!” I ventured into the banking industry three years ago, which opened my eyes to the “Heart Of Columbia,” the business community. I was asked to sit on the board for The Boys & Girls Club, and grew more passionate about the organization. Last December, I took a leap of faith and followed my heart, believing that I could lead and grow the organization. The need has never been greater to provide programs for youth before and after school. The Boys & Girls Club is a safe, positive and fun place that influences youth to avoid drugs, gangs, teenage pregnancies and bad choices and to stay in school and believe in themselves.
A COLUMBIA BUSINESSPERSON I ADMIRE AND WHY: I have to say that it is not just one person but the Columbia business community at large. The support offered by all of the business associations and friends demonstrates that, even in a down economy, people rally together to make good things happen.
WHY I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT MY JOB: I have enjoyed, learned, and appreciated my previous jobs, but I finally realize what true passion feels like with my new endeavor. Believing in the mission and feeling proud of the work can bring tears to your eyes and a lump in your throat.
IF I WEREN’T DOING THIS FOR ALIVING, I WOULD: Well…if that means that I am rich, then I would be living in the Caribbean on a beach sipping on a Pina Colada and saying, “No Worries, Mon.” Back to reality: I have truly enjoyed my life journey and appreciate all the experiences and opportunities I have had. I think you have to have an inner peace and positive attitude to enjoy and appreciate any situation.
BIGGEST CAREER OBSTACLE I’VE OVERCOME AND HOW: My biggest career obstacle was changing careers. Walking away from my employment of 15 years with no game plan, I realized that change is very hard but also very rewarding.
A FAVORITE RECENT PROJECT: The 4th Annual Rootin’, Tootin’ Chili Cookoff. What do 47 chili teams, 800 attendees, great music and fantastic sponsors give you? No, NOT gassy people! A successful community fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Club!
WHAT PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THIS PROFESSION: What I took for granted in other jobs on a daily basis to accomplish tasks is not necessarily available in the not-for-profit world. (i.e. technology support, supplies, equipment etc….) Community support is the key, and, with that being said, I am so happy to make this announcement: Coach Mike Anderson has agreed to be the spokesperson for The Boys & Girls Club of Columbia!
WHAT I DO FOR FUN: I am still a kid at heart. I love to do things outdoors with my kids like going to amusement parks, riding ATVs, riding horses, swimming, fishing and camping.
FAMILY: My husband, Brian, of 12 years is my soulmate and we have two beautiful daughters, Taylor (10) and Sydney (7), and the baby of the family, our 3-year-old black Labrador retriever, Max.
FAVORITE PLACE IN COLUMBIA: Daddy’s Chillax Room. Ever heard of it? Our daughters named the downstairs basement in honor of their dad (chill and relax). It’s a hangout where our family and neighbors can catch a good sports game on the big screen, eat barbecue and spend quality time.
ACCOMPLISHMENT I’M MOST PROUD OF: I prefer to look forward: My goal for the Boys & Girls Club is to bring a celebrity to Columbia as the guest of honor at a fundraiser (FYI: Denzel Washington is the Boys & Girls Club of America spokesperson)
MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW THAT I: I am a very competitive person. I can beat “anyone” in the “Galaxa” Video game. And I LOVE Matthew McConaughey (hey-hey-hey!)