Celebrating Gail Doran, 2022 Bobilya Award Recipient
Gail Doran, Board Chair of Super Shot, was recognized as the 2022 David A. Bobilya Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership Award recipient at an award ceremony on September 28, 2022. Congratulations, Gail!
How did you feel when your name was announced at the event?
To be nominated was an honor, and then to win was an absolute surprise. At the event, I looked around the room, and many people who were also nominated were people I sought out for their expertise and advice when we had challenges.
I’ve lived all over the United States, and even outside of the United States, and I can unequivocally say that Fort Wayne has the most giving spirit, and the community involvement in the nonprofit world is unmatched.
How were you introduced to board service?
Community service was not common in my family, just because of the nature of the times and what my parents did. But 30 years ago, I was very fortunate to find myself joining a company that was very community-oriented—Physicians Health Plan (PHP)—and that’s how I was introduced to volunteerism.
PHP had always given to Super Shot, and I wanted to know more about what they did. So, I went to one of their Grabill clinics, and I watched a mother with four small children wait for three hours for a shot. I kept thinking to myself, with my operational background, there must be a better way. After that experience, I was asked to join the Super Shot board, and that was the first nonprofit board I served on that was outside of my industry.
What would you say to other people who are interested in becoming involved in the community?
Do it! The reward is far greater than any sacrifice. Volunteers are desperately needed, not just at Super Shot, but all throughout our community. Find a mission that you’re passionate about, and just try it. Spend a day with them. Everybody thinks that they must be the perfect candidate for it. But there is no “perfect candidate.” It takes a lot of people to run a nonprofit, and they all have different talents. Bring yourself and your talents to the table, and it will be hugely appreciated.
What is your favorite aspect of board leadership?
My favorite part of board leadership is watching something come to life. It's very positive and reaffirming to see what happens when people who believe in the same common mission come together and give their time and talent. At the end, you have something that fills a need in the community.