Meet the President

KelliPresident:

Kelli Gruszka

Kelli is a transplant, who moved to Bakersfield seven years ago when her husband Phil accepted a position with Grimmway Farms. Kelli and Phil have been married twenty-two years and have three children; an 18 year old son, 15 year old daughter and 9 year old son. A teacher by degree and an occasional substitute when her hectic volunteer schedule allows, she feels fortunate to have stayed at home raising her children for the past 18 ½ years. Kelli and Phil’s families reside in Illinois, but their immediate family has lived in various places; spending most of fourteen years in St Louis, Missouri and a three year stint in Barcelona Spain; where Kelli admits to returning with her most valued souvenir, her youngest son. When she moved to Bakersfield in 2004 and was looking to get involved, she immediately checked out League as it had always been her radar but never at an opportune time. She now felt she had the time and it was the perfect fit to get connected in a new community. She laughingly says that if someone would have told her five years ago when she first became a member, that she would be the president of the Junior League of Bakersfield, she would have certainly told them they were crazy! Yet, wow, amazingly here she is.

As she reflects on her growth and development in this wonderful organization, she feels that if she had to choose only one thing that has helped her - it would be the remarkable amount of guidance she has received from the members, who collectively have made League what it is today. During this past year as president-elect, Kelli had many opportunities to familiarize herself with and embrace the information in the membership book (green book for some, blue book for others). She is thankful and appreciative of the ladies who have come before her who have provided today’s members with extensive wisdom and direction, all in a small handbook.

Kelli’s theme for the 2011-2012 year is “Gal’s Going Green.” She admits it has more than one meaning but the true nature of her thoughts is for League’s membership to embrace the work of past leaders and sustaining members who truly laid the foundations for what JLB is today as an organization. She is asking both board members and chairwomen to ensure they each look first to the green book for guidance and proceed from there, assuring respect and forethought to those who have created and developed the bylaws, standing rules, policies and procedures.
Now of course, as time progresses and technology continues to change the way we go about our daily lives, as a membership it is time to consider updating League procedures and establishing best practices for today’s times and Leagues ever changing members. We are blessed to have a very diverse and dynamic group of women who continue to join our organization. Each of these members brings with them a multitude of skills and ideas that will help us grow and develop the path with which we move towards the future. With change being a necessary part of growth, Kelli wants to assure League members, that as the organization moves forward, she and this year’s board will always look to maintain the founding principles of all that has been done in the past and only then update for the future.
Kelli shared that Junior League Gmail addresses created for Directors and Chairs will be utilized to help facilitate continuity from year to year and she is also excited to announce another actively monitored address;
jlbadvisor@gmail.com, where members can submit thoughts, ideas and concerns, knowing the information will reach the board in a timely manner.

As the year gets underway, Kelli is encouraging interested Sustainer members to consider being a part of League’s growth and development as Advisors to League’s committee chairs. All are welcome to take part in the activities of League!


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