Partner Profile: Adam Light

(from the July 2009 Newsletter)

Adam and Melissa Light joined SVPP in April 2008. Adam says he was looking for an opportunity to use all of his skills – to volunteer in a fuller capacity than just providing labor at events now and then. He got busy right away, joining the IT Advisory Board at New Avenues for Youth and then volunteering again to help New Avenues with strategic planning. Later, he branched out to assist Friends of the Children with a technology upgrade and data conversion project. In early 2009, Adam brought his interest in SVPP to bear on a closer examination of our own investee and volunteer management functions and helped generate ideas for structuring our new Resource Teams. He helped convene a group of Partners to brainstorm ideas and we are currently on the cusp of rolling out our new plans. He sees himself continuing to work closely with investees and looks forward to playing a key role with the Resource Teams.

Adam is a self-employed management consultant who specializes in helping clients build the organizational capacity to succeed at challenging software development efforts. At present, he is happy to be working close to home on a large project with a local utility company. Adam studied geography and climate change at Dartmouth College and the University of Colorado before earning his Ph.D. from the University of Oregon in mapping and data graphics.

The past year has been a busy and joyful one for the Lights as they welcomed new son Isaac last October. Adam says 9-month-old Isaac is a happy baby who has learned to crawl and is beginning to stand up and meet the world. Isaac fills a big place in Adam and Melissa’s lives. When asked what has changed since Isaac was born, Adam notes that although they still pursue their active interests such as hiking, skiing, tennis and running, they definitely spend more time at home. In addition, as if work, SVPP involvement and a new baby were not enough, the Lights recently finished a complete remodel of their 1903 South Portland home. Adam is also currently learning to play the guitar and hopes to run his third marathon in 2010.

Regarding SVPP, Adam says, “I’m impressed by the wealth of skills and experience that partners bring to the organization and by the selfless nature of their efforts. The people I’ve met through SVPP are motivated by opportunities to make lasting improvements in the community rather than by garnering recognition or rewards for themselves—they really want to do something positive.”