Loaned Executives, A Closer Look

by Liz Stanton, 2009 Loaned Executive

Twelve Loaned Executives (LEs), 16 weeks on "the campaign trail" and 290 accounts. There is a ton of work to be done. At first, it sounded daunting but immediately after I started my job as a loaned executive my outlook changed.

As a loaned executive, or in my case "sponsored executive"—my position is sponsored by the Boeing Company—I am assigned approximately 30 company accounts in Pierce County. My role is to visit each one and ask every employee to consider giving their time and money. Now, I don't consider sales to be my strongest attribute and yet, somehow, I found myself in a sales position. However, when I saw the type of facilities the United Way supports and the people who are served, my perspective shifted.

While touring the Good Samaritan Hospital's Children’s Therapy Unit, I had a moment where I began to see beyond the forthcoming to-do lists, appointments and presentations. It was here I saw firsthand the dedication, optimism and compassion of the staff. They provide therapy options created specifically for kids, who are born with physical disabilities that limit their day-to-day life. If a child cannot ride a big-wheel because of a physical disability, a staff-person will alter the big-wheel so the child can ride it. After seeing the piles of customized equipment that has built for the kids, I had "the moment" I spoke of above. I cannot take my ability to do good work for granted.

We are in week 7 and my time at United Way is going by too fast. I am truly having fun with my fellow LEs. They are all fascinating people and I love getting to know them. More on that in another post... Until then, I look forward to more experiences and meeting more people and sharing more stories.

Along with my delightful LEs, I visited:

L'Arche Farms
Washington's Women in Employment & Education
Bridges
Lindquist Dental Clinic
Tacoma Community College's Childcare Center

Additionally, we each participated in United Way's Day of Caring where local businesses collaborate in volunteer group projects at local non-profits. I went to the Boys & Girls Club, Gonyea Branch.