The core principles I believe in using to guide plans, decisions, and activities are based upon those implemented by Community Action Opportunities: Teamwork, Communication, Quality, and Respect.

• TEAMWORK is a dynamic process that includes the responsible participation of all members, who focus on task and solve problems to produce outcomes that the team accepts and supports.
• COMMUNICATION is a dynamic process that requires us to demonstrate a spirit of openness as we listen responsibly and share relevant information in a timely and accurate manner, so we can plan, solve problems, and meet the organizations' needs.
  
• QUALITY means that we are professional and accountable, exceed standards, provide excellent service, and strive to satisfy customers.
  
• RESPECT for others and ourselves means that we understand and honor boundaries, value diversity, communicate in a direct and non-judgmental fashion, are honest, thoughtful, empathetic and demonstrate support and appreciation.
  

I embrace these principles as important philosophical values and strive to use them to guide day-to-day interactions. My thoughts and experiences with these principles include:

• Having observed a number of different management styles, I have seen that when properly implemented an approach of teamwork can produce better results and be more effective than a "top-down" approach. Having been a member of many cross-functional teams, I have led teams in a variety of tasks, from trailbuilding to program development to dealing with complex organizational challenges.
  
  
• Effective communication is integral to success. Practiced listening skills are the foundation to my strong verbal and written communication skills. I have sharpened these skills through daily interpersonal and organizational communications; frequent public speaking; responding to print and TV media; and, crisis communication. Grandfather Mountain / Pot Bellied Pigs
  
  
• Throughout my career, I have always sought to be professional. The quality of the product I put out reflects upon me and the organization. I take pride in my work, and go the extra step to ensure it meets the highest standards. Another aspect of quality is the importance of realizing that while customers may live on low incomes, they merit exceptional service in the best facilities that can be provided.
  
  
• Working with and serving a wide variety of people has strengthened my belief in the value of diversity. Respect begins with treating all people with courtesy, politeness and kindness, and then continues with ensuring policies and procedures are implemented consistently, so customers are treated fairly and equally. I have worked in all levels of organizations, from front-line staff to high-level management, and I enjoy interacting with a diverse array of internal and external customers.