LP 40 for 40 – Alice Hobbs
The Plano Chamber of Commerce’s signature program, Leadership Plano, celebrates its 40th anniversary! For the past 40 years, Leadership Plano has been dedicated to educating, developing, and empowering current and future leaders for the community and motivating them to serve civic, charitable, and business organizations.
We are celebrating the impact of the past 40 years by spotlighting 40 Leadership Plano graduates who have paved the way for future generations, created meaningful change for the community, and continue to serve in leadership roles. This celebratory series, Leadership Plano 40 for 40, is Presented by UBS – The Kravitz Group.
Introducing our next spotlight, Leadership Plano Class 11 Graduate, Alice Hobbs. In her own words, Alice describes her experience and the important role Leadership Plano has played in her shaping her life and crafting an incredible local legacy:
“While I’m currently retired, I never left! I have been involved with the Plano Symphony Orchestra since its inception more than 40 years ago. I began as a volunteer, became Guild and then Board President, then was the first person to hold the Director of Volunteers position. Like so many non-profit organizations, the Plano Symphony relied on volunteers to accomplish most of the work now handled by skilled professional staff. It was my job to recruit and involve volunteers to “staff” the many events and concerts. Later I served as Executive Director for nearly 20 years until my retirement in 2011. Both my husband and I are happy now to serve as volunteers for this amazing organization and I was recently named Board Director Emeritus. It is a joy to be involved with the Plano Symphony Orchestra and the Plano community.
For the Plano Symphony to be a success, it needed to deepen its ties to the community and schools. Leadership Plano could help us achieve that goal. I was truly honored to be selected to Leadership Plano Class 11 – the Best Class, early in my career! The ropes course was truly “sink or swim” for me – especially jumping off the tall pole! I counted to three several times before I took the plunge! Learning trust, teamwork, leadership styles and making great friends made the year memorable. I learned so much about our city, schools, and businesses and found their leaders to be so approachable. Leadership Plano gave me confidence that I could make a difference. My husband and I continue our community engagement by supporting the arts and other community causes. We give attention and time in local non-partisan elections, knowing how critical it is to have good leadership to benefit the citizens and our community institutions.
Why was Class 11 the Best Class Ever? My retreat roommate was Carole Greisdorf! Seriously, we had caring, enthusiastic, supportive classmates and outstanding leadership from David McCall and Andre Davidson.”
