Who Are These L.E. People and Where Do They Come From?
Posted September 12th, 2008 by adminPosted by Neva Geisler, Director, Volunteer Engagement
An L.E. is a ‘Loaned Executive’, a person from an area business who is ‘on loan’ to UW during the Fall campaign. This year, we have 18 LE’s, people from a variety of fields: banking, health care, utilities, students, and VISTA volunteers.
Back Row: Scott Burnham (Wells Fargo), Mike Kingery (Intermountain Gas Company), Tanner Aasheim (Payne Financial), Brian Liberty (Idaho Power), Ross Valentine (KeyBank), Matt Ward (Home Federal)
Middle Row: Melanie Roper (VISTA), Emilia de Leon-Montero (VISTA), Mellissa Larson (Home Federal), Alison Harry (Saint Alphonsus), Connie Aschenbrenner (US Bank), Kelly Bohnsack (Bank of the Cascades), Justin Stiffler (Boise Cascade)
Front row – holding the sign – Roberta Russell (Blue Cross), Joshua Zickefoose (US Bank), Roger Aguilar (Intermountain Community Bank), Amy Humpherys (Boise Cascade), Beth DeRieux (St. Lukes)
When the LE’s arrive in the office it feels as though the cavalry has arrived, and none too soon, as we have some 300 workplace campaigns scheduled for the next three months. It would be impossible for the 12 person UW staff to manage that kind of a schedule, so for us, the LE’sare what makes it all happen. And when we talk about our low administrative costs, this is partially how that happens–our workforce doubles during the campaign, but it’s a volunteer workforce, sponsored by the Treasure Valley business community.
The LE experience can be a life-changer. A lot of people come to the role appointed by their companies, who recognize the networking and leadership development potential of the program, and others are sponsored by businesses as temporary employees. LE’s arrive in August, get a couple of days of orientation, then hit the ground running. They handle 5-10 workplace campaigns, fitting them in around their regular jobs and responsibilities. It’s a lot of work, and they do it with an approach that’s like a team heading for the NCAA championships. It’s kind of spectacular, really; people who come from all different places in life, all juggling multiple responsibilities, all retelling a story that many have just heard for the first time. They’re passionate, committed, and they work tirelessly. It is nothing short of inspiring.
And on the life-changing front, it can be a little disorienting when the whole deal is over. As an LE you hear stories you can never forget, so when your tenure is over and you’re back in your regular job (likely enjoying the sanity that is restored with the extra 10 hours back in your week), it’s hard to let it rest. The story’s still there, but the audience isn’t quite the same.
Last year’s LE’s weren’t going to go for that–they were changed and they couldn’t just go on the way they had before. They still had the passion and they wanted to share it. Plus, they liked each other, which is a really nice side benefit to being an LE; if you’re lucky, you’ll come away from the experience with a bunch of friends who are like old Army buddies.
And so LEAP was born.
LEAP–as described by Kelly Parker, 2006 LE Alum and Relationship Banking Officer with Bank of the Cascades (enthusiastic LEAP member, reluctant blogger):
Today is a milestone in my life. I’veofficially entered the world of blogging – I’m a blogger. What has compelled me to make this leap, you might ask? Involvement in the United Way and spreading the word in my community. Last year my company asked me to be a Loaned Executive. They wanted to pay me to go out and ask people in our community to giveto United Way. Apprehension was my first reaction – until I learned about the process and the positiveimpact they make in our community. I quickly became a believer and a passionate spokesperson……..and then the Loaned Executiveexperience ended. I had just gained the experience I needed to be truly effectivein my community and now my outlet had vanished. Alas, I was not alone. Other fellow Loaned Executives shared in my opinion and LEAP was born. LEAP (Loaned ExecutiveAlumni Philanthropists) is a new group created to bridge the past and the present – to be a resource for upcoming Loaned Executives and to unite past Loaned Executives. As the Vice President of this emerging group, I’m excited and encouraged to see the synergy that is building. What a rewarding experience to not only see the needs that people are facing but to know there are agencies ready to fill those gaps. Together, we are making the Treasure Valley one heck of a place to live.
So, LE alumni–you out there? Share your story here.
