Each week, #SpanningtheNeed will present an “Inspirational Person of the Week’ and have a “Q & A” with one of its many gifted individuals and/or groups who are willing to go out of their own way to help others. This week’s featured is Chaney Nezbeth from The Way Station.
Name: Chaney Nezbeth
Position: Executive Director
Organization The Way Station
What made you want to go into this field?
I have always been a volunteer and I love the exhilaration of the nonprofit world where you never know who you will meet, who you will be working beside and who you may be helping on any given day.
What’s the biggest factor that has helped you be successful?
I have always taken steps to learn more and grow both personally and professionally. When I volunteer to serve on a board, I try to get a committee assignment that is an area of weakness and not strength. I also like to surround myself with people who are really good at what they do. I hire people that are the best at what they do, I try not to micromanage and together we build a strong team.
What is the biggest professional mistake you made along the way?
I stayed at home for over a decade with my children and when I was ready to begin working again I doubted my relevance in today’s workforce. I stepped slowly back into a full time role gladly accepting positions when I should have been more aware of my personal passions, goals and direction and worked toward achieving them sooner.
What is the hardest decision you ever had to make in this field?
In the recent disaster in East Palestine, Ohio I have been called upon on multiple occasions to make decisions regarding what are the needs and how to assist an entire community in their time of need.
If you could start all over again, what would you do differently regarding your profession?
I would take steps to obtain a leadership role sooner by working toward completing necessary certifications.
What inspires you to do good in our community?
I am inspired each and every day by the people that we serve. In their time of need they are gracious, kind and thankful and almost always making sure that others’ needs are met as well.
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What do you enjoy most about volunteering in our community?
I love volunteering in my community alongside people I know and people I don’t know. It’s an opportunity to give back and I use it as a much needed mental health break time.
What song best describes you or is the soundtrack to your life?
Miss Independent by Kelly Clarkson.
What is your best accomplishment/experience in life?
My greatest life experience has been having the privilege of raising five children with my husband and seeing them grow to successful, happy adults.
POTW: Julia Anderson, John F. Kennedy Catholic School
Who is your role model and Why?
My father has always been my role model. My entire life I saw him volunteer for so many organizations, making himself an asset to his community and his family. His selfless acts of kindness, always with a smile are still remembered and missed long after his passing.
If there was one person that you would like to meet, past or present and why?
President Jimmy Carter. I would love to hear his story and his continued motivation to help eliminate poverty housing.
A favorite quote that you live by?
“Just because I haven’t done something, doesn’t mean I can’t do it!”
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