Teams and Staff to Launch Pilot Project

From AFSWiki

After several intense weeks of research and planning we are very excited to announce the teams and staff that have been selected to launch the Team Development Pilot Project. We are grateful for the enthusiastic support of the volunteers in these six teams and the passion and commitment of the new TDS staff. Together we are looking forward to a successful Pilot, created through a supportive and productive staff/volunteer partnership.

Teams and Staff:

Team: Greater Puget Sound

Team Development Specialist: Carrie Jacobs

Carrie has served a number of different roles during her 6 years with AFS-USA, including time in the former Admissions and Info Center. She joined the Volunteer Development Department when the Volunteer Registration process was first launched several years ago. Carrie most recently served as the Western Region Volunteer Development Manager.

Team: Michigan Team

Team Development Specialist: Kyria Tarnowski

Kyria has been a Regional Hosting Coordinator in the St. Paul office since 2009. Prior to that she had over 7 years of volunteer coordination experience at Twin Cities non-profits including People Serving People, Hope Community and the Minnesota Historical Society.

Team: Friends Across New England Teams

Team Development Specialist: Christine Milone

Christine's attention to detail and understanding of complex processes led to her first job with AFS working on registration and compliance. Most recently she's served as the Eastern Volunteer Development Coordinator. Prior to coming to AFS Christine spent 9+ years in the marketing, public relations and research fields.

Team: San Francisco Bay Team

Team Development Specialist: Marika Strauss

Marika's most recent position has been as a Volunteer Development Coordinator in the Portland office. She brings many essential skills to her new role including experience in event planning, public relations and volunteer coordination, as well as 6 years spent as a professional mediator. Marika is an AFS Returnee and spent a year in Ecuador.

Team: Greater Chicago Team

Team Development Specialist: Traci Larson-Lee

Traci has been building a sending team as a Community Developer in Chicago since May 2010. She also has an extensive background in volunteerism in her community and works part-time as a Development Director for a local school district foundation. Traci has a proven track record in networking and building strong teams.

Team: DelMarPa Team

Team Development Specialist: Mary Vymetal-Taylor

Mary comes to us with a strong background as an AFS volunteer. She served as an Orientation Coordinator for the Waukesha and West team (in Wisconsin) for 7 years and has recently been volunteering with the Capitol Team following her move to Washington DC. Mary and her family have hosted 6 AFS students. She also has a diverse professional background which includes experience in project management, training and evaluation.

Please join me in welcoming the volunteers of these six teams and the staff who will be working with them as we launch the Team Development Pilot Project!

Read more: Exciting Team Development Pilot Project to Launch

Mary Jo Brock Senior Manager of Team Development AFS-USA