GPHC Chair Shockey Concludes 2nd Term, Anderson Begins First
At the GPHC Annual Meeting – which will take place on October 4th at The Garden at 3435 Albion from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. – current Chair Elect LeAnn Anderson will move into the Chair position currently occupied by Heather Shockey. Heather and LeAnn discuss how they got involved with the organization, their respective achievements and goals in the position, and what they love about Park Hill.
Current occupation: Help employers sleep at night (Director at MSEC, an Employers Council, focused on Employment law and HR)
Board position: Chair (2nd term)
Description of what you do in that position: Help guide and provide oversight for the organization.
What drew you in to the Greater Park Hill Community, Inc.: Initially zoning issues and then the opportunity to work (volunteer) with a great group of people for a great neighborhood.
What has been the highlight of your board experience: Watching the organization change and grow.
What are your proudest achievements as GPHC Chair? My goal was to focus on the financials and budget, with specific attention on the newspaper and membership. Our membership records have been updated and our numbers are on the rise. The GPHC has been able to change the look and feel of the newspaper, and turn it into a revenue generator, the funds from which are reallocated to provide services to the community.
What you love about Park Hill: I couldn’t think of one thing, so I listed many. P=People – Park Hill people are great, A=Air – Fresh Colorado air, R=Roads and Alleys – Unique history and access regarding the design, K=Kids – Hearing them laugh and play, H=Houses – Wonderful architecture, I=Ideal location – Close to downtown and the mountains, L=Longevity – Park Hill residents remain in the area for generations, L=Laughter – Amongst our friends and neighbors. I am extremely proud to say I live in Park Hill – it is the best neighborhood!
Current occupation: Department of Human Services, Manager
Board position: Chair Elect, Zoning Co-Chair
Description of what you do in that position: As the Chair Elect, I’ve been involved with the day-to-day, month-to-month and year-to-year organizational happenings over the past 24 months. It did not take long for me to realize that it takes more to keep Greater Park Hill Community, Inc., running than first meets the eye. One of the strengths of the Greater Park Hill neighborhood is its size, but that can also be a weakness when it comes to engaging neighbors to “have a say” in the things that affect them.
What drew you in to the Greater Park Hill Community, Inc.: The Greater Park Hill News was the first thing that drew me into the organization. Shortly after moving into the neighborhood, I answered a call for volunteers that Marge Gilbert had posted in the GPHN. I became a blockworker and the rest is history.
What has been the highlight of your board experience: Meeting my neighbors and affecting positive change by understanding the role and power the city grants to Registered Neighborhood Organizations (RNOs). Getting to know and work with Lyle Hansen, Bob and Susan Homiak, Geneva Goldsby, Ann Long and Roberta Locke. Defeating the Holly Liquor Store Application, which was my first experience as the zoning co-chair; we collected over 400 signatures and the applicants withdrew their application at the beginning of the hearing. This success has enabled the current redevelopment of the Holly. It was a great learning experience and it was exciting to see the power of neighbors working together.
What you love about Park Hill: Our house, neighbors who are neighborly, the diversity and being so close to downtown.
What are you eager to accomplish as GPHC Chair? I am eager to build community and strengthen our collective voice by increasing participation in the organization and community events that make Park Hill such a great place to live.