Meet Vicki Pinder
When the opportunity presented itself, Vicki Piinder relocated to Colorado from Michigan to enjoy a different lifestyle. Skiing and hiking are favorite pastimes, but being involved in her community beyond the out-of-doors is one of her passions.
As someone who's worked in the financial services industry for 30 years, Vicki joined the Chamber of Commerce in anticipation of moving to Evergreen more than 15 years ago. Besides cultivating her own business analyzing and offering solutions with regard to life, health, disability, and long-term planning insurance, she wanted to learn about the community and become established in her new home town with her husband, already a resident.
The Chamber of Commerce became the basis of her life in Evergreen.
She soon was a member of the board of directors where she held a seat for five years. She served as President of the board (after her term, the title was changed to "Chair" and the title "President" was given to the staff person previously called "Executive Director").
She served on the gala committee, chairing the annual fundraising event for five or more years as well as chairing the Chamber's Annual Meeting at the Lakehouse, another major event.
Vicki is a 1999 graduate of Leadership Evergreen and subsequently served on its board. It seems she ends up in a leadership role with any group she joins – at least on a board if not as its president.
About seven years ago she was one of the first members of a newly-organized group called Women of Evergreen Businesses, formed to create a way for female owners of small businesses to band together to market more affordably. WEB, as it is called, has since expanded its focus to be educational and philanthropic as well, developing an "Angel Fund" to provide one-time help to individuals in distress. She has been President for the past five years.
Vicki was named 2007 Volunteer of the Year.
She loves Evergreen and finds it a place where she feels safe and supported. "There are few places where business owners don't know you," she says. She enjoys running into familiar faces wherever she goes and being paid courtesies at places such as the post office where she's recognized as an established player in the community.
She's a certified life coach. Every day she asks herself "Is there someone's life I can touch today?" She tries to be a change agent in people's lives, privately or professionally and strives to make a difference.
Her pet passion is participating in the 60-mile walks to find a cure for breast cancer.
Vicki's business – VP Financial Options – allows her the flexibility to balance family life with work. Mackie, her Australian Shepherd, is a steady companion who goes everywhere with her. She loves traveling with her husband, Tom, as well as hiking the trails around Evergreen.
In September, look for Vicki at the beer wagon at the Big Chili Cookoff where she'll be captain of volunteers. Raise a toast to her for all she's given to Evergreen!
