VOL. 127 | NO. 91 | Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Memphis Newsmakers
Kiser Joins Volunteer Mid-South As Community Services Director
By Kate Simone
Amanda Kiser has joined Volunteer Mid-South as community services director. Kiser’s responsibilities include mobilizing and maximizing volunteer resources, coordinating training for partner agencies, creating and leading community projects, and marketing VMS’ benefits to agencies and the public.
Hometown: Millington
Education: Certified Nonprofit Professional Certificate in nonprofit leadership, bachelor’s degree in professional studies with a health services administration concentration from the University of Memphis.
Work Experience: I just graduated May 5 and started at Volunteer Mid-South as an intern, then got hired for a full-time position.
Family: Two daughters: Alyssa, 11 years, and Alaina, almost 2 years
Favorite quote: “Everything happens for a reason.”
Last book read: “Goodnight Moon” to my 2 year old last night. Seriously, I couldn’t tell you the last time I read for my own leisure. Between reading kids’ books and my schoolbooks, unfortunately I don’t have time to read anything else.
Favorite music: I love all music. It depends on my mood.
Favorite television show: “The Walking Dead” on AMC. I am very disappointed that I have to wait until October for the next season to start.
Sports team: University of Memphis men’s basketball
Activities you enjoy outside of work: Spending time with my daughters and fiancé, Richard, hanging out with friends, shopping, surfing the web (Pinterest is my newest obsession), trying new restaurants and traveling – even though I don’t get to do that much lately.
What talent do you wish you had? I wish I could dance, any style. I have two left feet and absolutely no rhythm.
Who has had the greatest influence on you? My parents. They have always encouraged me and stayed positive. They have been there for me through everything, good and bad.
What attracted you to Volunteer Mid-South? Susan Schmidt of the University of Memphis spoke very highly of Mark Dean, the CEO of Volunteer Mid-South, and this organization and helped set me up with an internship. I loved it so much; I didn’t want to leave when my internship was over so I decided to apply for a recently opened position.
What are your goals as community services director? As community services director, I hope to get the word out to as many people as possible about the services we offer at Volunteer Mid-South. So many individuals and agencies are uninformed about the volunteer opportunities and free services we provide to the community.
What do you consider your greatest professional accomplishments? Well, so far, just landing an awesome job in a great work environment my last semester of college! So many people graduate and find they can’t get their foot in the door anywhere. I am very grateful for this opportunity.
The University College chapter of the University of Memphis Alumni Association will present its outstanding alumni and service awards Thursday, May 10. Frank Turner McMeen will be honored as outstanding alumnus and Daniel Michael Dent and Megan Regina Mottley as outstanding young alumni. Sherri G. Stephens will receive the outstanding service award.
The Memphis Area Association of Realtors Multi Million Dollar Club has elected its 2012-2013 board of governors: Jo Shaner, president; Claire Owen, president-elect; Myra Sheddan, treasurer; Cathleen Black, assistant treasurer; Tommie Criswell Jones and Lana Fowler, two-year directors; Marc Scheinberg, recording secretary; Sissy Vaughan, corresponding secretary; M. Scott Bettis, fourth-year director; Amanda Lott, third-year director; Melody Bourell, second-year director; Jessica Buffington, first-year director; and Melissa Hayes Thompson, director.
Keith Dillihunt has joined First Alliance Bank as senior VP and commercial loan officer. He will be responsible for expanding the bank’s commercial loan capabilities.
Dr. Elizabeth Thomas has joined Rhodes College as associate professor of psychology and director and Plough Chair of Urban Studies. She previously was associate director for graduate education in interdisciplinary arts and sciences at the University of Washington Bothell.
Jeff Tankersley has been named director of trucking operations for Longistics. He will work at the company’s Memphis operation hub and will oversee daily operation of the motor transportation fleet, and work with clients to determine needs, develop contracts and monitor satisfaction.
Mary Helen Randall has joined Sullivan Branding advertising and marketing firm as public relations account executive and social media director; Sarah Ettner has joined as account executive; and Ross McDaniel has joined as account coordinator.
Dr. Luther Ivory has been awarded Rhodes College’s Clarence Day Award for Outstanding Teaching, the school’s highest faculty honor. Ivory is a religious studies professor and director of Rhodes’ African American Studies Program.
Dr. Maurice Mendel has received the Honors of the Council award from the Council of Academic Programs in Communications Sciences and Disorders. Mendel is dean of the University of Memphis School of Communication Sciences and Disorders.