Q1: Tell us a bit about Center For Extraordinary Success and its mission.
Center For Extraordinary Success connects great leaders to their desired results. Leaders sitting at the top of an organization are the symbol of the reason the company does what it does. At CFES, we come alongside clients to create customized systems and processes to ensure desired results are achieved. Our proprietary process connects strategic priorities with people, measurable outcomes and bottom-line results.
I never planned to be doing what I am doing now. As a young girl, my mother described me as a “people watcher” who loved going places and observing people. What I now know captivated me in those early days of life, was understanding what others were trying to solve and how they resolved it. This passion continued throughout my education and corporate career.
Q2: Share with us impactful moments or situations throughout your professional tenure.
My first corporate position with Bank One started while pursuing my undergraduate degree at Indiana University Kokomo. While interviewing for the position, I recall asking then President Mr. Richard Conklin and Executive Vice President Mr. Jerry Jones, “What does bank success look like and how does this position support such success?” Their answer was to, “retain more than 50% of its current customers through the First National Bank merger to Bank One.” Knowing the big picture to be solved provides an opportunity to do more than a job and shape every part of the position around a much bigger picture, purpose and goal.
Years later, another major defining moment came in my career from STAR Financial Bank CEO Jim Marcuccilli. Soon after being named Fort Wayne Region President, Marcuccilli began describing his goals for the bank. Everything we built and designed supported those described goals, resulting in substantial growth centered in serving every customer like family.
I am humbled by the career opportunities such incredible leaders have afforded me — the opportunities to lead, learn and fulfill, while uncovering my more deeply rooted purpose in life known today as Center for Extraordinary Success.
Q3: How long have you served as board president of the Mad Anthonys Foundation and what drew you to this organization?
I became the Mad Anthonys Foundation board president in 2019. Prior to that, Mad Anthonys board members Jim Johnston and Mike Eikenberry sought management support from CFES. Learning the Mad Anthonys history, engaging the board, and my desire to cast vision into its future made my decision a no brainer. For more than 50 years, the Mad Anthonys Foundation has stood as a pillar of hope and support for local charities, driven by the vision of our founders and the generosity of supporters.
Q4: The Red Coat Gala will be here before we know it! What makes this event so special?
The Red Coat is a powerful acknowledgement of extraordinary performance, profound impact of sharing time, talent and treasure to shape a more promising future for the region, state and beyond. Through our signature events, the Pro-Am Tournament and the Red Coat Gala, we’ve not only celebrated community achievements, but have also raised essential funds for those in need. At the heart of our mission, the Red Coat stands as a beacon of exceptional virtues.
It is with immense pride that we bestow upon Jim and Tom Marcuccilli this prestigious honor. Their exemplary leadership at STAR combined with their deep-rooted dedication to our community epitomizes the quintessence of what it means to be a Red Coat recipient. They personify not only the spirit of service and generosity, but also embody resilience, vision and the drive to foster positive change, setting a standard of excellence and inspiring a legacy that resonates with the core values of the Mad Anthonys Foundation.
Also receiving his Red Coat this year is Tyler Eifert. Adding to exceptional virtues, community-minded leadership, philanthropy and unwavering dedication to a football career, Eifert has inspired Fort Wayne through his Bishop Dwenger high school career to Notre Dame, and ultimately the NFL. He personifies the spirit of service, generosity and athletic excellence.
Q5: What do you do for fun outside of working hours?
I love learning from books and podcasts, spending time with family and friends, walking my grand-dog and putting together puzzles.
Q6: Do you enjoy traveling? What has been your favorite destination?
We love spending our summers at Coldwater Lake in Michigan and our winters in Siesta Key, Florida. The best vacation I’ve ever taken, however, was a Mediterranean Cruise.
