Andrea Pack served as the 29th and also the
current 32nd President of the Ohio Valley Jaycees (OVJC). Born and raised
in Wheeling, WV, she stayed in the area to attend college West Virginia Wesleyan
College in Buckhannon, WV, receiving a Bachelor’s degree in psychology.
Andrea has served on the OVJC Board of Directors for the
last eight years - since she was 21 years old! Currently, Andrea is employed at
Russell Nesbitt Services, Inc. providing employment services to individuals
with disabilities. In addition to her commitment to the Jaycees and her
full-time position, she also waitresses at a local restaurant part-time. In
what little of her remaining free time, she enjoys reading, riding four-wheelers
and hanging out with her family.
How did you decide to get involved with the Jaycees?
I’m actually what you might call a legacy. I
have been involved with the Jaycees through my parents since I was a small
child and always knew I would be one. My dad was president twice and I am now
on my second term.
What has your experience been as a leader within your
organization?
It’s been an amazing learning experience. I’ve
learned more about interacting with people, putting out fires, and “walking the
walk” than I ever thought I could. But most of all I’ve learned a lot about
myself and what I’m capable of.
Is there a special recipe for leadership? Or is it more
about learning as you go?
Being a leader takes lots of hard work, a good
tongue biting reflex, the ability to take constructive criticism, and being
able to let go of the small stuff. “Confidence is the feeling you have before
you understand the situation.” You have to be able to learn and grow as you go
to be a good leader. If you’re not learning, you’re not living.
How has joining the Jaycees enriched your life?
I can’t imagine my life without the Jaycees.
Having grown up as a Jaycee, I have had the unique experience of really being
raised by that proverbial village. The Jaycees are my family, as much as my
cousins, aunts and uncles are. The feeling of being able to give back to the
community is such a great thing. It never fails to make me feel like a better
me when I can help others.
Do you have any advice for Jaycee members seeking a
leadership role within the organization or in the workplace?
Ask someone! I guarantee that the people on your
local or state board of directors will be super excited that you’re interested (I know I would be)! And for those leaders/board members already out there: the reverse
is true, sometimes all you have to do is ask someone to become more involved
and they will. In the workplace, I would say use those skills you learned in
Jaycees like public speaking and event planning using the CPG. You’ll blow them
away (my boss will tell you so)!
What are the best skills or knowledge to have in order to be
successful in this job?
I’m going to list my top three: 1) You will
never make everyone happy. 2) You will inevitably make someone mad (see No. 1)
3) Don’t be afraid to be innovative, but listen to constructive criticism and
keep it in mind (always with a grain of salt).
What part of your involvement in the Jaycees makes you most
proud to be a key member of the organization?
Watching my father run our local organization and
then having the opportunity to do it myself. Learning that I’m capable of doing
things that scare me to death. Knowing I can hold my own among professionals of
every level. Having a Jaycee family who always has my back.
Want to share your experiences as a leader with the Jaycees?
We’d love to hear from you! Contact our
National Chapter to find out how.
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