September 17, 2014 - Organizational Update
Do you ever wonder how all of the wonderful things Impact Austin does for the community get done? Each year, a very special group of Impact Austin members toil behind the scenes for the benefit of all of us. We are starting a series of blog posts that will allow you to get to know them a little better. We start here with the Executive Committee of our Board of Directors, but keep checking in, because there is more to come!
Rebekah Bonde, President
Philanthropist and Co-Founder, Bonde Consulting
I was born and raised in Missoula, Montana (with a few diversions here and there), and grew up on wild antelope and elk meat for dinner and Masterpiece Theatre on television. On our first date, my husband and I debated state economic and trade policies (we’re a ball of laughs), and we’re still debating after ten years of marriage.
Bliss for me is a quiet afternoon in the library, nose deep in a thick book, with a proper cup of Marco Polo tea, a cat napping on my lap, and a cold drizzle outside.
Diane McCartney, Vice President
Financial Services Regulatory Compliance Consultant
I grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania but have been in Texas for the last 35 years so I consider myself an adopted Texan. Although I have a very successful career, I consider my greatest life accomplishment to be my three adult children: I love that I really admire them as people. Plus, they have given me my grandchildren.
One of my core values is spending my time, talent and treasure doing what I can to make the world a better place and Impact Austin is one of the ways I do that. In my free time I love to play sports – softball and tennis are two of my favorites, go dancing, and travel to experience different cultures.
Valerie Kirk, Treasurer
Of Counsel, Enoch Kever, PLLC
During my nine years with Impact Austin, I've been co-chair of the Grant Finance Committee for four years, Financial Administrator for two, and Board Treasurer for four. In my spare time, I love to hang out with my sons, daughter-in-law, and precious grandsons, as well as travel to unusual places (Egypt, Iceland, China, Antarctica). I credit Impact Austin with giving me the impetus to (mostly) retire from practicing law, as now I can work with fabulous women, learn new things, and contribute in a meaningful way through volunteering.
Sharon Francia, Secretary
Business Consultant and Philanthropist
I’ve been an Impact Austin member for 4 years and in addition to serving as FY15 Board Secretary, I’m also the Board Liaison to the Marketing Committee, and a member of the Finance, Governance, and Audit Committees.
In my free time, I love to cook and entertain. I’m also an avid poker player, passionate about Cross-Fit, and have been a student at Westlake Academy of Martial Arts for more than 5 years, and currently a Second-Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo.
Lorene Phillips, Immediate Past President
Human Resources Administrator, Pedernales Electric Company
I proudly wear the title “Impact Austin” stalker because I attended numerous events before I took the plunge. That behavior was so not like me. Typically if I see it, like it, it feels right…BAM, I am on it. Must have been one of my other personalities controlling my actions.
I am a LPGA wannabe, bead freak, reader, puzzle solver, poker player who loves having fun!
