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Our Members in Action Alex Collier, MPA, is the Director of Volunteer Services and Special Projects at the Jewish Association for Services for the Aged. Read her blog on the New York Nonprofit PressRick Akin, Director of Volunteer Services at Bowery Residents' Committee, is also an instructor for Volunteer Management Group.
Gary Bagley, Executive Director of New York Cares, was interviewed on WNYCDiana Kyrwood, CVA, MA
Diana serves on the CCVA Test Writing CommitteeGail Elberg, CVA, Director, Volunteer and Intern Programs at the Allstars Project Inaugural Board member of Al!VE: The Association of Leaders in Volunteer EngagementJule Marks President and Founder of the Volunteer Management Group Maura Muller, Co-chair of the Volunteer Program Administrators of NYC Cultural Institutions (VPA of NYC).

FEATURED MEMBER

Eric Grant
Eric Grant
Eric Grant does not shy away from new opportunities; "Nothing ventured, nothing gained" is an axiom he lives by. A BA in history from Virginia Wesleyan led to a job at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem MA (Eric grew up in Boston) supervising the tour guides for the museum's Historic House program. A move to New York City in 1997 led to a job interview at the ASPCA. After all, he liked animals and had experience working with volunteers. Although he applied as a fluke, he was hired as the volunteer coordinator (remember wh
Eric became a member in 1997 as the organization was making a major change from a regional chapter of AVA to a stand alone entity.
en job hunting was that easy) and remained there for 10 years. It was a lucky move for NYAVA. Eric became a member in 1997 as the organization was making a major change from a regional chapter of AVA to a stand alone entity. Someone was needed to manage the membership database. "Let me give it a try" ventured Eric. During the past 12 years, Eric has done more than "try." He developed the Access database to keep track of membership activity, researched more functional software options and eventually ushered NYAVA through the migration to the web based MemberClicks software. Simultaneously during those 12 years, Eric served as the Membership Chair and then as Treasurer. Although others may see his attention to detail and organizational skills as gifts, Eric sees them as life's necessities "I can't rely on my memory. If I don't write it down, it won't happen."

In 2007 Eric joined the ranks of the unemployed. The enforced downtime gave him the opportunity to really think about what's next. As it turns out, what's next is a career in healthcare. He is now a certified EMT and this semester has embarked on a 3 year course of study leading to a BSN in Nursing. Lectures, lab work and a very different focus means that Eric will be stepping away from his NYAVA responsibilities. Regretfully so, he assures us. NYAVA has been extraordinarily fortunate to have had the benefit of Eric's dedication, intelligence and good common sense. They will serve him well as he embarks on yet another excellent adventure. Thank you Eric and good luck.
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