Take Five: Dr. Reggie Gardner (Chicago)

Originally Posted: 1/7/2010

Dr. Reggie Gardner joined BDPA Chicago chapter in 1997. His volunteer efforts in the early years focused on corporate relations. He was active with the BDPA Chicago chapter Corporate Advisory Council (CAC), eventually serving as its co-chair in 2000. Reggie was a member of the Board of Directors for BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) in 1999-2000. He served as the conference director for the 2001 National BDPA Conference. He was elected to the presidency of the BDPA Chicago chapter in 2004-2005. He concluded his BDPA leadership as National BDPA VP-Member Services in 2006. Reggie currently is an executive with the D&C Charter Bus Company.

We asked Reggie to 'Take Five' with us:

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1. How did you get involved in working with BDPA? My initial introduction to BDPA was through Mr. Joe Smialowski and Mr. Carver Johnson in the 1995-1996 timeframe. I served as an IT Manager at Sears under their leadership, and later received the opportunity to represent Sears as a BDPA Corporate "Champion."
2. What is the most rewarding aspect of working with BDPA? Unquestionably, the most rewarding aspect of working with BDPA was meeting so many highly qualified and talented professionals throughout the country who aligned with the mission, goals, and objectives of the organization.
3. Tell us about a defining moment in your life? To date, a defining moment in my professional life is completing my doctoral degree and writing my first book on organizational leadership. I am encouraged (and impressed) that my book has received significantly more fanfare in Europe and India than here in the United States.
4. Who is your hero and why? My parents are my heroes and role models. They have always set a positive example and provided guidance, feedback, and support in all of my life's endeavors.
5. Any advice for people considering donation to BETF? BETF is a non-profit organization with sound integrity and solid leadership committed to providing financial tuition assistance to underprivileged students who aspire to academic degrees and professional careers in the Information Technology industry. I support the initiatives of BETF, and I encourage those who envision an increase in the amount of qualified technology professionals from underserved communities to support this foundation as well.

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I encourage you to take a moment to share some BDPA-Love with Dr. Reggie in the Comments section below!