Meet Lisa Richardson | Non-Profit Chief Executive Officer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lisa Richardson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lisa, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
The value of integrity. In the non-profit world, walking the talk, is the most important principle to insure a successful mission. Insuring that integrity and doing what you say you are going to do is crucial in mission success. Walking the Talk means we are performing at our highest level and doing what we said we would do. In a day and time when integrity is not highly regarded anymore, it is crucial that a non-profit CEO insures that the staff and volunteers in their charge are all living the mission and performing with integrity and high moral character.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I have the privilege of being the CEO of the HIM Food Bank in Mansfield, TX. The path that got me to the food bank was one of seeking to make a difference in the lives of others. I had a successful 25 year corporate career and decided to retire to find an impactful career that would help others. The journey was not easy but well worth it. A corporate career is fulfilling but tends to mean you are working for someone else and assisting them in establishing their own business. I learned many business lessons and acquired many business and leadership skills throughout my career. Relationships are very important and many of those remain with me today.
Overcoming the challenges of being responsible for other peoples’ well being when you work in the non-profit sector become difficult at times but well worth it when a human need such as hunger, is met by our organization. Insuring that you have a staff who feels they are a part of the mission is directly responsible for mission success every day.
I’ve learned through the years to be humble. It takes more than one person to make any business successful and always have a mentor. Listen to others who have become successful and what has worked for them. I am grateful for the lessons I’ve learned from others and I’m especially thankful for a relationship with God. Praying is a powerful part of success.
Offering hope to people who are hungry in our day and time is a blessing. In the high inflation driven economy we are living in, it is important to remember that there are others out there who need our help. My philosophy will always be to offer light to those who are in the dark. Lend a helping hand and help someone get back on their life journey.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Arlington and Fort Worth offer some amazing spots to visit and eat! Campo Verde in Arlington offers a once in a lifetime experience for Mexican food but most of all for the ambience of the restaurant. They decorate for Christmas from October through March and it is a sight you cannot miss. A good conversation can be had at the Botantical Gardens in Fort Worth or the Dallas Arboretum. Both are beautiful parks with trees and flowers that fit anytime of the year. I enjoy being outside in nature and love sharing that experience with others who havre not visited our area. Dickies Arena is a great place to see a concert or a rodeo! Another once in a lifetime experience for someone needing to visit our area.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The person who deserves a little credit and recognition for my success is my husband, Stewart Richardson. He is an inspiration to me on a daily basis and has encouraged me along this journey of successfully becoming a CEO in a non-profit world. I dedicate this shoutout to him.

Website: Www.himcenter.org

Linkedin: HIM Food Bank

Facebook: Harvesting in Mansfield – HIM Center

Image Credits
HIM Food Bank Capitol Title