Guest Blogger, Susi Bocks
Sadly, I am unable to vote for Gayle, but luckily you are!
I’m a huge fan. You need to understand why.
Yes, I’m biased, but hear me out. Gayle entered my life unexpectedly in 2015 due to a new working relationship. We both volunteer with the same organization, Recovering from Religion. She reached out to me shortly after becoming the Executive Director to introduce herself. She needed to understand my responsibilities with the organization.
Sister Friends, Gayle and Susi
Even in that short communication, I was immediately drawn to her kindness, her ability to get a grasp for the big picture, to understand the people who were the glue of the organization and how she instinctively comprehended all that was coming her way with regards to her new position. I would find that my initial instincts about Gayle as a leader were spot on, in every sense of the word.
I mentioned she is kind.
Let me elaborate on that - she is tuned-in with people’s thoughts, in understanding their background, their personal story, but also with the events of life and situations which all people find themselves in - engaged with thoughtfulness on a level I’ve not seen with many humans.
She drew me in with her warmth and had me right from the word go.
See that warmth? What a Senator she’ll be!
Tennessee 2018 - Gayle Jordan
The responsibilities of her position as Executive Director require oversight, leadership and being an inspirer for change. She has all these attributes. Gayle came to the plate with the understanding of how best the organization should function, instituted confidence in the rest of the board that we would grow, resolve all past concerns and move forward in a rational, and reasonable fashion. She got the big picture and knew how to improve upon it.
To achieve that, Gayle needed to understand the people who would work closest with her, and she made it a priority to make us a cohesive and cooperative board. We became a strong, and active team of the organization under her leadership.
We thrived individually but crucially, together, within this group of individuals. Having a leader who prioritizes inclusivity, and one who acknowledges everyone for their hard work and commitment is just one of the things that make her a successful leader.
Handling everything she encounters with grace
Gayle handles everything she encounters with grace and such a personal hands-on approach, it's no wonder we can formulate the best possible resolution from some difficult challenges to the most basic things requiring attention.
In all of the various current leadership roles she holds, she maintains the ability to juggle many priorities and works hard to ensure the attention to detail brings a level of desired achievement and success.
She's my boss (sort of), has become one of my closest friends of the heart and in this short period, I consider her part of my family. Gayle cares, and she cares deeply not only about me but all who enter her radar, her job, her community, her world.
Tennessee you cannot go wrong by voting for her. She IS the best candidate to represent you.
Tennessee 2018 - Gayle Jordan
