Thanks to Our Executives for Their Stories

I hope you have enjoyed getting to know more about your Executive Officers with their recent blog posts.    Members are often curious about how someone becomes an Executive Officer.    For many years it was also a mystery to me, but in general, as a member becomes more involved in the work of the National Society, she begins to be asked to take on more responsibilities and new leadership roles. After many years of service and with various leadership roles at the chapter, state and national level, a member may have the knowledge and experience in the Society that makes her a great candidate to be asked to serve on the Executive Board.  Many capable and qualified members make the selection difficult.

The women serving with me on the Dillon Executive Board have given many years of productive service to the DAR and their willingness to do whatever the job required was evident to others.  When selecting these women I did try to get a representation of states across the country, both large and small, and different areas of expertise. The Executive Committee is the governing arm of the National Society. We meet every February, April, June, October and December to make decisions on every aspect of headquarters, membership, committees and contracts.  Some items for discussion come from members, some from National Chairs, some from the staff’s observations and others just arise, seemingly out of thin air. Many items go through the Executive Committee and on to the National Board of Management for a decision, allowing still more vetting.  And some things then go before Continental Congress where chapters send representatives to consider items of concern

It is a humbling experience to become your President General –I actually keep looking around to see where “she” is. After two months, I continue to gain an even greater understanding of the scope and influence of the National Society.  I have long been aware of our history, but I am gaining a new appreciation for how much impact our work has on veterans, schools, historians, and so many facets of society.  May we never take it for granted.  As we continue to serve America, our influence in communities across the nation -- and indeed throughout the world -- will further demonstrate who we are and what we do. 

Your Executive Committee and I are eager to work with you to Move Forward in Service to America.