2010 DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
Pat Simmons, Montana PBS
Nominated by Lisa Titus, Director of Development, Montana PBS
Pat began “volunteering” as the Treasurer for the Friends of Montana PBS Board of Directors nearly three years ago. I put the word “volunteering” in quotation marks because Pat went above and beyond any work that a volunteer would be asked to do.
As Treasurer Pat has honed our bookkeeping procedures, implemented a new inventory system, and helped to oversee the flow of over $1 million annually in contributions and the payment of expenses. But that’s not all! Pat also took on the coordination of updating our corporation documents – everything from memorandums of understanding with our universities, to state non‐profit paperwork, to the Friends of Montana PBS bylaws. In short, Pat saw areas of opportunity for improvement and she jumped right in and made it happen.
Beyond her amazing skill as an organizer and her attention to detail, Pat has also been a good leader – helping to guide the Friends of Montana PBS board to its next incarnation as a true statewide, high functioning board. Her suggestions on how to structure our processes have made a real impact and are coming to fruition. Our board is now very robust thanks to her experience and leadership.
On a personal level, I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Pat. Her attention to detail complements my tendency to see from 30,000 feet and we both, I feel, respect and enjoy the other’s point of view. I have always been happy to hear Pat’s perspective and have always felt comfortable knowing that she would help facilitate the goals of our organization. And, Pat herself, is also able to see the bigger mission of the organization and so makes choices based on the larger goal. I am in awe by how much Pat accomplishes in a day. I know that in addition to all I have just mentioned here, Pat is also involved in many other organizations and volunteer opportunities as well as a part time job. May we all accomplish so much in “retirement.” I can think of no better person for this award.
Pat began “volunteering” as the Treasurer for the Friends of Montana PBS Board of Directors nearly three years ago. I put the word “volunteering” in quotation marks because Pat went above and beyond any work that a volunteer would be asked to do.
As Treasurer Pat has honed our bookkeeping procedures, implemented a new inventory system, and helped to oversee the flow of over $1 million annually in contributions and the payment of expenses. But that’s not all! Pat also took on the coordination of updating our corporation documents – everything from memorandums of understanding with our universities, to state non‐profit paperwork, to the Friends of Montana PBS bylaws. In short, Pat saw areas of opportunity for improvement and she jumped right in and made it happen.
Beyond her amazing skill as an organizer and her attention to detail, Pat has also been a good leader – helping to guide the Friends of Montana PBS board to its next incarnation as a true statewide, high functioning board. Her suggestions on how to structure our processes have made a real impact and are coming to fruition. Our board is now very robust thanks to her experience and leadership.
On a personal level, I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Pat. Her attention to detail complements my tendency to see from 30,000 feet and we both, I feel, respect and enjoy the other’s point of view. I have always been happy to hear Pat’s perspective and have always felt comfortable knowing that she would help facilitate the goals of our organization. And, Pat herself, is also able to see the bigger mission of the organization and so makes choices based on the larger goal. I am in awe by how much Pat accomplishes in a day. I know that in addition to all I have just mentioned here, Pat is also involved in many other organizations and volunteer opportunities as well as a part time job. May we all accomplish so much in “retirement.” I can think of no better person for this award.