Staff Spotlight- Patricia Pierce

“Staff Spotlight” is a way for you to get to know our staff a little better, and to show you some of the behind-the-scenes work that goes on here in the Coalition.

I ambushed an unsuspecting staff member for our first “Staff Spotlight” post. Pat is the executive assistant to our director, Lesha Buchbinder. Quite the busy bee, Pat can be found typing away on her computer, taking endless phone calls, solving simple problems or helping other staff.  She’s the lady with all the info!

What brought you to the Coalition?
I started working for non-profits in Dayton, Ohio in 1976. The last non-profit organization I worked for closed its doors because of lack of government funding in 2003. It was a lot like ELCLC. I served as executive assistant to the Director.  Partnership for Youth was a collaboration between local mental health treatment specialists as well as serving economically disadvantaged families in a variety of ways.  There was a second division of the agency (Jobs for America’s Graduates) that helped prevent at risk high school students from failing their courses so they would graduate.  After 16 months of unemployment, my brother in Florida encouraged me to move to Lake County and he would help find me a job here, so I did.  I worked for a company that was totally new to me, and after 3 months, I started watching the want ads.  I saw an ad in the newspaper for a job opening for a non-profit organization, so I applied.  I brought in my resume detailing my non-profit background, and computer skills and experience working with Board of Directors, and the Director said it was like the job was written for me and they hired me!  It was like the good Lord just dropped it in my lap!

How has your background influenced your work?

I had a difficult childhood, and from a very young age, I knew I wanted to help people. So many people helped me through the years when I was growing up. It’s kind of like I’m paying it back. I've only had one job in the corporate world. Non-profits are my passion.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

It’s not really what I do specifically. The best thing is being part of an organization that helps so many people—being a part of a great cause.

What is the most challenging aspect of your job?

My job is constantly changing. There is always something to do. When you complete one task,  two or three things pop up. The work is never done.

When you’re not working at the Coalition, what are your favorite things to do?

I am a TV watcher. Totally. At night, I come home, grab a cup of coffee, kick off my shoes, and watch The Young and the Restless. My sister and I love to watch the show together Monday-Friday. Cooking is something else I love to do. Oh, and I also love garage sales. My sister and I spend a few hours every Saturday going to thrift stores and garage sales looking for good stuff.

Thanks, Pat for sharing! We appreciate everything you do!