Q&A WITH GARY STANLEY, 2012 LIGHTHOUSE AWARD WINNER

Q: What does being chosen to receive the Lighthouse Award mean to you?
A: I’m usually a talkative kind of guy. I was sort of taken away by it. My response was, simply, “WOW.” I don’t know what to say. It is just sinking in now more.

When I recently did an introduction to the Facility Management Designation Program, I had so many people come up to me and say, “You’ve made the program better.” It’s not Gary’s program. This is a great Illinois ASBO professional development program.

I was speaking to Joe Lopez from Joliet Township HSD 204 and he said, “Gary, I got to thank you for getting me this job.” Nobody from Joliet called me. I had forgotten he was even applying. I said, “Why are you thanking me?” He told me, “You helped me get back on track and get the program finished.”

I encourage people to educate themselves, network and obtain professional development. These are priceless to anyone’s job, period. I don’t care what business you are in.

Q: What are your thoughts on the value of recognizing outstanding school business officials or ideas?
A: When I looked up what the Foundation Lighthouse Award was, it was for special achievement in something that could be duplicated. The energy that I bring, I hope can be duplicated to any other committee.

It’s great to be recognized, but a little embarrassing. You don’t want to pat yourself on the back. I enjoy what I am doing on the committee, and because of that it feels like a light load. If I do a good job as a committee chairman, it can be duplicated with lots of other committees as well. We can always do better.

It is good to be appreciated, but it is even better for other people to appreciate a program. This is a program, involving lots of people, lots of presenters, and lots of organizers.

Q: What advice would you give to those that aspire to follow in your footsteps?
A: I tell people, invite one person at a time to become part of the program, network or committee. Stay focused on one person at a time. If you can be or find a mentor, each comes out ahead. You can pick up the phone and call somebody because they are your mentor and care for you, that IS priceless. Getting involved is how you find those relationships. Then once you find them, it becomes so enjoyable.

Q: Thoughts on the mission and/or work of the Illinois ASBO Foundation? Why it is important to support those efforts?
A: This is how l look at it: Within the Foundation, you have groups of school district members and Service Associates who give funds, and the Foundation supports community projects and Illinois ASBO functions.

One of my things on the back of my personal business card is “Education is key.” From preschool, to high school to college, school business officials, Service Associates, everything. The Foundation helps to support all of these venues financially.

People who want to give do so, and if money is needed it is there. The Foundation program is not about who has the deepest wallet. Foundation recognitions are about Leadership by Example. That really says it all. Isn’t that what the awards are all about?

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See an interview with Emmert Dannenberg, 2012 Distinguished Service Award recipient
See an interview with Ken Florey, 2012 Above and Beyond Award recipient