LP 40 for 40 – Jean Callison
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 16 Graduate, Jean Callison. Jean grew up in Plano and has been active in the Plano community for 35 years. She currently serves as the Strategic Planning Chair for the Women’s Auxiliary to Children’s Medical, Plano, as a member of Plano Metro Rotary and Women Making a Difference and is a graduate of Leadership Texas.
Jean has previously served on the board of the Hendrick Scholarship Foundation, Plano ISD Education Foundation, Plano Youth Leadership, National Charity League, Plano Chapter, Young Men’s Service League, Plano Chapter, Junior League of Colling County, Plano Richardson Area Panhellenic, Huffman PTA, Plano West Royales Booster Club, and Assistance Center of Collin County. Jean chaired the committee that created the Plano ISD Education Foundation CORE Store. She was elected and served three terms on the Plano City Council. In 2009, Jean was recognized with the Distinguished Leader Award by Leadership Plano. In 2014, she was named a Top Ten Women of Collin County. In 2021, Jean was honored as the Plano Citizen of the Year by the Plano Chamber.
Jean and her husband, Glenn, have two grown children, both who are engaged to be married in the next year. Jean and Glenn are active members at Parkway Hills Baptist Church in Plano.
1. What first made you interested in participating in Leadership Plano?
Inspired by community leaders who were both committed to community service and graduates of the Leadership Plano program, I was motivated to apply. As President – Elect of The Junior League of Collin County (Plano) at that time, I knew the leadership training provided by Leadership Plano would be helpful. I applied to the LP program to gain a better understanding of Plano/Collin County and my role as a community volunteer.
2. What is the most memorable part of your experience (or what is something that was happening in Plano that you remember about that year)?
In 1998-99 the Plano population was about 220,000 while our neighbors to the north were still sleepy farming communities. Class 16 had the honor of being Program Director Andre Davidson’s first class. With Andre as our leader, the sessions were packed full of quality information as well as fun. My fellow class member, Alan Johnson, reminded me that we built the screening walls at the Saigling House (Art Centre of Plano now) to cover the refuse containers and we planted flower gardens in two places on that property. For me personally, it was the retreat and the ropes course. The top of the telephone pole was high!
3. Why do you think LP is so impactful for our community?
The Leadership Program exposes class members to government, business, and non-profit organizations. Through the nine sessions, participants are educated on all aspects of the Plano community. Upon completion, class members recognize that we live in a city and county that strives to be the best every day. Working together in all areas to serve our fellow community members provides the foundation needed for our “city of excellence.”
4. What is one thing you can attribute to LP that is a success in your life or career?
Plano was a wonderful community in which to grow up. Glenn and I both knew we wanted to raise our family here and serve our community. The Leadership Plano program showed me that there are many ways to give back to the city we love.
5. If your class had a class project, what was it and why was it important?
To me it was my fellow class members. Many of my class members are contributing to Plano through business, both large and small, banking, law, and non-profits. My fellow classmate, Joyce Logan, founded Ruby Care. Ruby Care helps families who need senior living options. I’m so proud to know Joyce. She saw a need and took action to fill it. “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” Helen Keller. This is Leadership Plano, Class 16. The best class ever.
