Today's DAR
It is a privilege to be serving as your Corresponding Secretary General for the Storage Administration. As we Illuminate our Legacy, I am reminded of my own start in this wonderful organization. My 30+ year DAR journey started with a registrar mother that wanted her chapter to finally have a junior member. With papers mailed on my 18th birthday, I was serving as a page within weeks of my installation as a member. I have often shared that during that first state conference my only goal was to somehow be one of the pages serving the State Regent (they seemed to know it all and know everyone). I never could have guessed that first trip would have led me here and would have provided me with a lifetime of experiences already.
Introducing Our Executive Officers: Corresponding Secretary General
Having served as Tennessee State Corresponding Secretary in the Chaffin Administration and professionally in the same role to the Tennessee Lieutenant Governor in the late 90’s, I bring a unique perspective to the office. During my time as TSDAR State Corresponding Secretary we set up our own pop-up DAR store at state conference to provide items like the 9 generation ancestral chart and parliamentary procedure chart to chapters in attendance. (Both are still available online, and the parliamentary procedure chart has been my favorite product for years, being one I hand out like candy to those serving with me on other non-profit boards.) As National Junior Membership Chair in the Young Administration I also had the opportunity to help create and stock some of the products you still see today in the DAR Store as well, including the DAR bank bag – something that every chapter treasurer needs.
Professionally, I hold a B.A. from Lipscomb University in History and Political Science and a J.D. from the University of Tennessee College of Law. I am currently the Advocacy Manager at Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee, tracking federal and state legislation that impacts our neighbors in need.
When I am not busy with DAR or with Second Harvest, you will find me with my family enjoying the beauty of Northeast Tennessee. My husband Matt is Chief Legal and Risk Officer for Eastman Credit Union and shares my love for community service. This fall marks our 23rd wedding anniversary, and we have been blessed with two energetic sons. During the school year we can be found on Friday nights enjoying the Dobyns-Bennett High School Marching Band halftime shows and on Saturdays either at UT enjoying our beloved Vols or hanging out at band competitions around the region.
We are also a BSA family with both my husband and my eldest being Eagle Scouts and my youngest is well on his way. I have previously served as a registered leader and now currently volunteer at the council level. I even went with the boys to Sea Base High Adventure Camp learning to sail in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Michael (18) will be starting his freshman year at Lipscomb University, where his father and I met. He plans to pursue a degree in teaching with an emphasis on history. Matthew (15) will be starting his sophomore year in high school and will continue to serve on the drumline for both football and competitive band. This spring Matthew was elected the T.S.C.A.R. Second Vice President, and both boys are members of the Fort Watauga Society C.A.R.
Eccl. 3:1 has been a scripture that I have leaned upon for many years – “For everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven.” I am very excited for this new season of service to you our members and the National Society as we Illuminate our Legacy.
