Archives > Plano Star-courier > News
Print
E-mail
Comment
Rate
RSS
Share
No sitting on the sidelines: Financial planner receives chamber leadership award
By Kelley Chambers, kchambers@starlocalnews.com
David Downs would rather be known for the relationships he has forged in Plano than what he does for his day job. However, the two have become interrelated, as the financial planner credits the success of his business to what he does outside of the office.
"Nothing I do is driven by how to find a new client," he said. "If I go out and I do things I enjoy ... I will build relationships, but at some point, potentially one of those relationships may turn into a business relationship. But that's not the focus; the focus is how to give back. I have a responsibility to volunteer to help make it a great city, and I do that by saying, 'hey I'll help.'"
But Downs doesn't just volunteer once a month for a couple of hours. He currently serves on boards for the Collin College Education Foundation, the Art Centre of Plano, the Collin County Healthcare Foundation, the city of Plano Planning and Zoning Commission, CASA of Collin County, the Boy Scouts of America and STAR Children's Charity.
The ninth-month program runs from September through May and is geared toward developing and empowering current and future leaders for the community. Participants are motivated to serve civic, charitable and business organizations, as the experience is designed to increase individual and community leadership skills.
A graduate of the Leadership Plano 2002-03 class, Downs donated time, resources and expertise to not only Leadership Plano, but the community as a whole, said Mayor Phil Dyer, who presented the award to Downs.
"David Downs has been giving back to his city for many years. His record of community service is truly extraordinary," Dyer said. "Plano and the surrounding area have greatly benefitted from David's leadership, commitment to excellence and dedication to his fellow man. He is a most worthy honoree of Leadership Plano."
The recognition is a national award established by the Association of Leadership Professionals, said Lauren Garner, director of education for the chamber. Garner and Leadership Plano Program Director André Davidson meet periodically with the organization to keep the local program up to date. The award is typically given to those who have been out of the program at least five years, which allows the selection committee to see longevity in terms of how the candidate has implemented what they learned, Garner said.
"We go through strategies as to how we are going to implement leadership techniques [and] qualities to our groups coming through based on things like the economy, water issues, healthcare [and other] current events," she said. "With David, he has been so consistent and so instrumental in so many different areas. It was unanimous vote. He knew how to get involved personally but just broadened his vision for him to see where his gifts are going to sit and how he can make Plano a better place."
Although Downs has been a Plano resident for the past 40 years, he decided to become a chamber member and take the leadership class soon after coming back after living abroad and realizing a lot about the community had changed.
"If you go into the program with an open mind, you will learn leadership skills but it's more than that," Downs said. "It's about learning about your city, what its needs are and seeing how the city as a whole needs the volunteers. [It's about] the relationships you will build through you connections with class members, and it goes beyond your own class."
Always being someone who likes to provide help when needed, Downs said he was humbled by the award and used the opportunity to promote Leadership Plano, encouraging others not to "just sit on the sidelines and listen."
"I'm so completely surprised by it. I look at the people who have been recognized with this award way before and I honestly don't feel like I'm in their league," Downs said. "I know many, many people out there who could just of easily of gotten it, I feel very humbled by this selection. It's really an honor because I don't do any of it for the recognition."
Downs contributed to the community before participating in the program, something he credited his parents for.
"My parents raised me that way, to help others," Downs said. "In lots of ways we were poor, I remember powdered milk and $3 tennis shoes. Growing up we weren't rich but my parents were always quick to say how very fortunate we were for what we have. Being the oldest, I think that always led me to be a caretaker and early on I was given responsibilities, so I've never been one to shy away."
The deadline for applications for the next class beginning in September is June 15 at 5 p.m. For information about or to apply for Leadership Plano, visit www.leadershipplano.org or call 972-424-7547.
The following are comments from the readers.
In no way do they represent the view of Starlocalnews.com
In no way do they represent the view of Starlocalnews.com
You must register with a valid email to post comments.
Only your Member ID will be posted with the comments.
Only your Member ID will be posted with the comments.
Registered users sign in here:
Become a Registered User
- Return to: News «
- Home «
- Top of Page ^
