Joe O’Hehir of Whistlestop wins Nonprofit Leadership Award
Describe your organization.
Whistlestop believes that we all share in the responsibility to ensure that every adult has the opportunity to age with dignity, independence, and grace. For over 62 years Whistlestop has provided a hub of essential transportation, nutrition, and social connection services to Marin County's older adults and individuals with disabilities.
Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I was born in Brooklyn New York and raised in Southport CT. After graduating from college I began my professional career in business. I moved to CA in 1978 to work on my first company start-up in the Silicon Valley. I have lived in Marin for the past 26 years. My wife, Vicki, and I have been together for the past 30 years. I have 4 children and 5 grandchildren.
What is your role in the organization?
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) since 2008
What achievement are you most proud of?
That all four of my children have graduated from college debt free and have jobs.
What is your biggest challenge today?
Managing the overuse of e-mail in the workplace and instead getting people to talk with each other in-person.
What is the next major project either under way or on the horizon?
Whistlestop's new Active Aging Senior Living Community Campus building project in downtown San Rafael.
What product or service would/or is helping you do your job more effectively?
My Outlook Calendar since the majority of my time is spent meeting with people
How do you think your profession will change in the next five years?
Successful nonprofit organizations will continue to evolve toward a self-funded social enterprise business model to manage their growth.
Most admired businessperson outside your organization: Warren Buffet
QUICK TAKES
Current reading: “Boys in the Boat” by Daniel James Brown
Most want to meet: Michelle Obama- I wish she was running for President!
Stress relievers: Swimming and hiking
Favorite hobbies: Golf- I have a fatal attraction to the game!
Social media you most use: I'm still an old fashion “Texter”. I don't seem to have time for LinkedIn or Facebook.
Buzz word from your industry you hate the most: Ageism
Typical day at the office: Early morning at the gym or pool is my thinking time. 80% of my day is consumed with face-to-face internal meetings with my executive leadership team and external meetings with Whistlestop donors, elected officials, and fellow nonprofit partner organizations. Early evening is my writing time, mainly responding to e-mails.
Best place to work outside of the office: My home office. It's nice and quiet.
Words that best describe you: An optimist and a people-person
Anything you want to add?
I love my job because I get to hang out with inspiring 80 and 90-year olds who put life into perspective for me