This is the third of a series highlighting our Chapter’s awesome volunteers.  

 
This month, we are shining the Volunteer Spotlight on Nancy Reasoner, the Chapter Treasurer who is a BA at ASU.  We are “indebted” to Nancy for keeping our monies flowing in and out properly, creating the budget, and driving through the challenging transition of harmonization (the combining of Chapter and IIBA dues into one dues structure).  Some responses have been edited for readability.
 
Q: How did you first hear about the IIBA?
Nancy: When I started working as a Business Analyst at Arizona State University, my manager recommended I attend the monthly PDM sessions.   I did not [attend them] until I went to the BADD Conference.  There I saw just how committed the IIBA Phoenix Chapter was.  It was an excellent conference, and I wanted to learn more from these people who knew so much.
 
Q: How long were you a member of our Chapter before you became an officer?        
Nancy: I had only been a member of the chapter for a short time when I volunteered to help as the Treasurer. A woman I worked with was on the board and told me their current treasurer was leaving, and I thought, “What the heck?”
 
Q: Have you held other positions or done any volunteer work for the Chapter previously?         
Nancy: No, this is my first experience.  I had planned to volunteer to help with the BADD-D conference, but then I heard about the treasurer position and went for that instead.
 
Q: What are some of the things you do as part of the Chapter that some people might not know about?
Nancy: As the Treasurer, I lead the budget planning - running the amounts past the board members for approval, and then submit it to the IIBA each year.  I update the Income / Expense document each month and share it with the board in the monthly meetings.  This is simply what money came in, and what expenses we had for the past month.  I send each of our presenters for the monthly PDMs an Amazon gift card as a thank you.  And I submit a quick tax form to the IRS each year. 
 
Q: What are some of the most satisfying parts of your position and being part of the Chapter?    
Nancy: I enjoy my fellow board members.  This is a fantastic group of people, and it has been a joy to work with them.  They are intelligent, kind, and thoughtful.   These people give so much of themselves to help others advance.  They are the best part!     
 
Q: Are there any skills you have developed by being in the Chapter that have helped you at work or elsewhere?
Nancy: I can balance my checkbook a bit faster now.
 
Q: What advice would you give someone considering volunteering for the Chapter?
Nancy: Understand the time commitment, and make sure you are willing to volunteer that amount of time.  I probably spend 5 hours monthly in the meetings and doing the budget documents.  Plus, I volunteer an optional hour or two to work on the BADD-D Planning Committee.  That is less than a workday each month.
 
Q: What are some of the things you like to do in your spare time?        
Nancy: I grow cactus from seed.  This was my COVID hobby which has turned into a passion.  They are just so different from one another.  Some look like peas until they get the first spines.  Others have spines right away.  It is amazing to watch them grow.  (I have hundreds.  I may be able to retire early by selling them one day.) I love to swim in a 90-degree pool. It’s a little bit of heaven in my backyard every summer. I am a dog person who also has a cat.

Q: What aspect of the BA profession do you find most rewarding?
Nancy: Improving the lives of others.  That is what I do.  I listen to them.  I make their systems work smarter and faster.  I automate their manual tasks.  I remove frustration.  I find the core issue and deliver the right solution.  I do a lot of work to help our students be successful.  They never know I am here working for them… but I know.

Previous highlights: 
Sheri Myrick
Debbie Levin