Arlene A. Betteridge, Executive Director, The Shine Initiative
Betteridge
Fidelity Bank of Leominster recently appointed Arlene A. Betteridge as executive director of its Shine Initiative, a fund within the United Way of North Central Massachusetts administered by the bank that promotes mental illness awareness, treatment and support. As an experienced nonprofit leader, she said she's optimistic about improving the organization's fundraising even in the face of the current recession.
Vital Stats:
Residence: Barre
Family: Husband, Russell, and two adult children, Jacob and Abigaile
Education: Master's degree in mental health, bachelor's in education
Previous job: Executive director of the Performing Arts School of Worcester and the Center for the Performing Arts, business consultant for nonprofit boards of directors
Start date of new Job: Feb. 24, 2009
Q. How are you settling in at your new job?
A. My job is fantastic! But I would hardly call it "settling in." This is just not my style, which is perhaps more closely described as "coming out of the gate at a gallop."
Q. What's the biggest surprise you've had in starting the job?
A. After the first interviews, I knew I wanted to work for the Shine Initiative because of its noble mission "to shine the light on mental illness through research, education and mental health programming." I have been absolutely impressed by everyone's generosity and the highly professional corporate culture that permeates the entire Fidelity Bank system every day. I keep waiting for the honeymoon to be over, but I am readily assured by all staff members that that "it won't end because it's just the way the bank functions." This is like a breath of fresh air in corporate America.
Q. What challenges do you see in your new position?
A. I face the same challenge everyone who is trying to grow a business is now facing: the tough financial times caused by our national economic downturn. It's no secret that this is a difficult time to raise money. Yet, I view this as an opportunity to solidly set the stage for the better economic times that will eventually return. And, with that positive thought, within the next few weeks the employees and I will proudly launch a new fundraiser, doubling our efforts to raise money. Economic climate aside, we will move today towards our future.
Q. How different is this job from your previous job?
A. First, they are similar in that the overarching goal of both jobs was/is to increase the quality of life of individuals and their families through excellent product development and delivery. But mental illness presents an additional dimension that is markedly different and it's called "the stigma" associated with mental illness. I am deeply committed to educating and increasing the awareness that recovery and cures are possible for those suffering from various forms of mental illness.
Q. How close is this to what you imagined in high school you'd end up doing?
Not remotely. Since I was six years old I only wanted to be a teacher, which I became. Yet, as I think more about this question, I fully realize this position provides me with an opportunity to seed and grow new ideas, which ultimately is what every good teacher does. So perhaps it's not that remote after all.
Q. Where's the best place to get lunch near your location?
A. I can't answer that since I seldom go out to lunch.
Q. What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?
A. Continuing my travels throughout the world both as a world citizen and as a person who is deeply committed to the message of peace in the world.
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