Candy Letterman discovered early on that providing solutions and helping people strive for excellence are key components of her leadership skills.
"I believe that good leadership comes from the ability to work with a diverse group of people, recognize leadership characteristics in others and empower them to grow and learn," says Letterman, regional director of the American Heart Association. "It is my goal to not only build strong relationships but help others realize their full potential. Recognizing hard work and effort, as well as giving strength and guidance, are my greatest strengths."
When Letterman began in the communication and technology field, she was a leader in the pioneering team at Brooks Fiber Communications, a local exchange carrier that competed with the Bell companies and eventually merged with WorldCom and MCI. Letterman achieved salesperson of the year within her first six months and was later named a President's Club Award winner.
She joined AHA in 2007.
"Working with the volunteers and committee members of the American Heart Association has given me the opportunity to lead by example, seeking out the strengths and abilities in others and motivating them to achieve the success we've realized," Letterman says. "I have worked with and coached many in our community to be advocates, educators and leaders to promote the causes (and) campaigns that we are all passionate about."
During her tenure with AHA, Letterman has implemented educational and fundraising events that have generated nearly $500,000 to advance the organization's mission to fight cardiovascular disease and stroke.
She is especially interested in women's health and works with other like-minded organizations to bring quality, proactive care to the area. Letterman brought together Jordan Valley Community Health Center and St. John's Women's Heart Center to promote and exceed statewide expectations in Greene County for the Well-Integrated Screening and Evaluation for Women Across the Nation, or WISEWOMAN, program that provides information and opportunities for low-income and under- or uninsured women between the ages of 40 and 64 to reduce chronic health risks.
Letterman believes in the positive influence volunteering has on a community and encourages people to contribute.
"I believe volunteering and development are critical to continue building strength in our community," she says.
While her job puts her at the helm of many community events, including Go Red For Women, Letterman's community involvement also includes serving First & Calvary Presbyterian Church, at her daughters' schools and on the Missourian Award Advisory Board.
As a leader of Go Red For Women, a national AHA initiative, Letterman is committed to informing women about cardiovascular disease.
"It has become my personal mission to ensure women in southwest Missouri are aware of and educated about cardiovascular disease being their No. 1 health risk and death threat and (to) make it a year-round movement in the Ozarks."[[In-content Ad]]
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