We are thrilled to announce that Optimist International Executive Director Cheryl Brenn will be in Calgary for a “Meet and Greet” with Optimist members from Calgary and the surrounding area on Tuesday, November 28th. Please see the details below. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet Cheryl, ask questions, and learn more about her vision and strategic plans for the future of the Optimist International organization!
DATE: Tuesday, November 28th, 2023
LOCATION: Limericks Traditional Public House – 7304 MacLeod Trail South, Calgary
TIME:
LIMERICKS TUESDAY FOOD AND DRINK SPECIALS
PLEASE RSVP: To Bill Campbell (President, Optimist Club of Calgary) via email (billcampbell001@gmail.com) or text (403-909-1783) by Monday, November 27th at the latest. Please provide your name and # of people attending. Bill has to let the restaurant know how many people are planning on attending.
For your information, Cheryl will also be attending and volunteering at the Optimist Club of Calgary Festive Showcase on November 29th at the Jubilee Auditorium
WHO IS CHERYL BRENN?
Cheryl was hired by Optimist International (O/I) as the Executive Director on August 9th, 2021. Before joining our organization, she worked for 14 years at Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY), a global youth leadership organization where she served in multiple capacities, including Chief International Programs Officer. Before her work at HOBY, she worked for 10 years for the New York State School Boards Association, where she headed up its membership services and marketing in addition to large-scale event management. Before that post, she was director of professional services for the New York State Recreation and Park Society.
Cheryl holds a master’s degree in leadership and management from Western Governors University and a bachelor’s degree in international management from American International College. In addition, she earned the Certified Association Executive designation from the American Society of Association Executives. She not only brings extensive nonprofit management experience to her position with Optimist International but also a lifetime commitment to volunteerism and community service. She strongly believes the O/I headquarters staff should mirror our clubs and members through volunteerism and community service, “We should not only understand what it is to be an Optimist, but walk the walk through service to our local community”.
She is committed to upholding the Optimist mission, vision, and purpose while moving the organization forward toward new growth and possibilities.
Cheryl is based out of the Optimist International Head Office in St. Louis, Missouri USA. To learn more about her, CLICK HERE.
WHAT ARE HER RESPONSIBILITIES?
The Executive Director of Optimist International serves as the corporation’s Chief Operating Officer, Secretary, and Treasurer. In these capacities, the Executive Director is responsible for the day-to-day operations of Optimist International as well as for the supervision of the professional staff, the implementation of Board policies, the preservation of official corporate records, and the safekeeping of all funds held by Optimist International. As the principal professional employed by Optimist International, the Executive Director is directly accountable to the International President and Board of Directors. Working in concert with the organization’s volunteer officers and directors, the Executive Director guides the Board of Directors regarding the adoption of short and long-range strategies for the worldwide growth and fiscal stability of the organization.
WHY IS CHERYL VISITING CALGARY ON NOVEMBER 28TH AND 29TH?
During the 2023 Optimist International Convention in Arlington, Virginia this past summer, incoming Optimist International President Tracy Huxley announced the “Spreading Optimism Tour” whereby clubs could submit a request to have a senior official attend an upcoming event during the 2023/24 fiscal year. Bill Campbell (Optimist Club of Calgary President) submitted a request to have someone attend either the club’s Festive Showcase in November 2023 or the Optimist Clubs of Calgary Day in the Park event in June 2024. We are very fortunate to have Cheryl take time out of her busy schedule to join us on November 28th and 29th in Calgary!
Optimist International is recognized worldwide as the premier volunteer organization that values all youth and helps them develop to their full potential.