1) What makes Malaria Partners International’s mission (To ignite an international Rotarian Campaign for the Global Eradication of Malaria) meaningful to you?
Polio elimination provides an example of the remarkable
possibilities when worldwide Rotary members unify around a common purpose. Malaria
has been the largest killer of mankind throughout time. Eradication will save
over 400,000 persons per year, each and every single year into the future.
That’s an inspiring and historic world-changing opportunity for Rotary members.
2)
How does your current role tie into your role on the Malaria Partners International Board, if at
all?
As Malaria Partners International’s Treasurer I manage and oversee our financial
resources. I think the most important (and often most difficult) aspect is to
balance the need for Malaria Partners International to support innovative anti-malaria initiatives, yet a
t the same time providing sound stewardship of the funds our supporters have
entrusted to us.
3) When you’re not working, how do you like to
spend your time?
As a retired financial advisor, I recently authored a book to assist families with the often daunting task of financing college education, titled “529 College Savings Plans for Grandparents.” I’ve been invited by numerous financial organizations and academic entities to conduct educational presentations on the topic. That’s going to keep me busy.
4) What’s a story of yours that you don’t get to tell often enough?
In 2011, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu, graciously accepted my invitation to travel to Tacoma, Washington, to participate in a community-wide event designed to inspire young people called, “Be the Spark.” (Also participating were Pete Carroll, Bill Gates, Sr., and Craig Kielburger) This was at a time when the area was still dealing with the after effects of the 2009 Recession and a high level of youth violence. The event accorded me the opportunity of spending considerable one-on-one time with the Archbishop, one of the world’s most remarkable and inspiring individuals.
5) What is one way you think malaria elimination can be achieved?
Ultimately eradicating Malaria will necessitate the coordinated efforts with nation’s governments, world health organizations and local communities, much of which is already occurring. But adding 1.2 million committed Rotary members, leaders across the globe in their respective communities, will add enormous leverage to the fight.