Board Member Gail Ledford Receives The 2008 Cleary Award
ABOUT THE 2008 CLEARY AWARD WINNER - GAIL LEDFORD, PhD
In a year when SCAN celebrates a milestone in its history of building hope for children and families, board member Gail Ledford seems the perfect candidate to honor with the 2008 Cleary Award. Gail has served on SCAN’s Board of Directors for 14 years with commitment, compassion and courage.
The “service” Gail has provided on SCAN’s Board of Directors has always met whatever the organization needed at the time. In SCAN’s early days of determining effective ways to raise funds as well as the organization’s profile, she helped construct doll houses when SCAN was involved in the American Girls fashion show fundraiser. Also early on, when SCAN began its venture into public education, Gail spent hours stuffing parent packets, enabling hospitals to give pertinent information to new parents. When SCAN’s programs were still developing, Gail had a hand in program design and delivery, laying the foundation for SCAN’s three solid programs today: Alexandria/Arlington CASA, Parent Education and Public Education.
Over these 14 years, Gail has held numerous leadership positions on SCAN’s Board. Gail served as President in the late 1990s and again 3 years ago, when she led the Board in taking critical steps forward in its development, including a strategic retreat, plan and approach toward financial development. Gail played an integral role in strengthening Board governance, working to make Board recruitment and development fit more intimately with the organization’s strategic direction.
In all that Gail has brought to SCAN over these years, she’s brought it with sincere compassion, forthrightness and high energy. Gail’s contributions and guidance have always given value and meaning to the work of both the staff and the Board. Because of Gail’s longtime work within the child welfare arena, she oft en plays an educator role for the rest of the Board – a gift that has clearly enhanced the Board’s understanding of SCAN’s role in child welfare. Her familiarity with child welfare issues both nationally and statewide, as well as her intimate knowledge of Fairfax County’s programs and operations, have benefited SCAN in its own program development and organizational maturity.
As knowledgeable as Gail is on child welfare issues, she has not shied away from taking on roles at SCAN that are not part of her natural comfort zone. Currently, Gail is serving on the Financial Development Committee, an arena not typical for a long-time public sector employee. Gail volunteers for the work that most needs attention with the determination to tackle whatever needs to be done, especially if it is a benefit to SCAN and the work SCAN does for children. Last year, when she had just completed a three-year leadership term (President, Vice President, Past President), there was a last minute change on the Executive Committee, leaving an opening for the Secretary position. Gail graciously offered to fill the slot.
Thanks to Gail’s passion, intellect and personal motivation to improve the well-being of children, not to mention her devotion to SCAN’s entire mission, SCAN was thrilled, proud and honored to present the 2008 Cleary Award to Gail Ledford.
ABOUT THE CLEARY AWARD
Dave Cleary founded SCAN of Northern Virginia in 1988 and has been an integral part of its continued value and positive impact on children and families ever since. Recognition given to Dave over the years for his vision, leadership and focus has been numerous and deserving. Yet, there is a constant desire to recognize his continuing contributions year after year. The Cleary Award is designed to enable SCAN of Northern Virginia and the community to do just that - each and every year.
The Cleary Award recognizes individuals and organizations whose dedication and commitment to children and families stands out in ways that make a positive difference in the lives of children. SCAN of Northern Virginia is fortunate to engage in meaningful partnerships with volunteers and organizations to carry out SCAN’s mission in a variety of ways. The Cleary Award recognizes one individual or one organization whose actions have positively impacted the safety of children in Northern Virginia.