[FRC Blog] FIRST Robotics Competition Chief Volunteer Coordinators

[Hallry]

Posted on the FRC Blog, 10/26/16: http://www.firstinspires.org/robotic...-frc-chief-vcs

FIRST Robotics Competition Chief Volunteer Coordinators

Written by Dennis Howland, Volunteer Resources, 2016 OCT 26.


We are very sorry to announce that Jessica Boucher will be leaving the role of FRC Chief Volunteer Coordinator. In that role over the past two years, Jess has been a very valuable resource to all of FIRST but especially to FRC Volunteer Coordinators and to Rookie Volunteer Coordinators. Jess has worked hard as the “go to” person at Championship for all field VC’s and has been instrumental in creating a smooth coordinated Einstein transition for both teams and volunteers. We thank Jess for all she has done for FIRST and wish her only the best of luck moving forward.



We are happy to announce that we have two Co-Chief Volunteer Coordinators for the 2017 FRC season and for the FIRST® Championship.

Laurie Shimizu is a recently retired journalist with 25 years of experience. She has been involved with FIRST® since 2005 when her son needed help with his FIRST Robotics Competition team. Laurie has been a Championship Volunteer Coordinator for eight years and is the Lead Volunteer Coordinator for four Minnesota Regional Events. Laurie is also a FIRST Senior Mentor in Minnesota and is an expert on volunteer recruitment and training. For Laurie, FIRST is a year round focus and she has been instrumental in the dramatic growth of FIRST programs in Minnesota.

Jess Jankowitsch brings 18 years of FIRST experience to the role of Co-Chief Volunteer Coordinator. Jess started as an FLL and FRC (Cybersonics Technology Team - 103) team member in Pennsylvania. She is presently the Program Director at FIRST in Texas. Jess has been a Championship Volunteer Coordinator for eight years and the Lead Volunteer Coordinator in the FRC Pits since 2009. She has served as the Alamo Assistant Regional Director and Volunteer Coordinator since 2010 and was the Volunteer Coordinator for the Pittsburgh Regional for four years. Jess has also served across all FIRST programs as a key volunteer, judge, events coordinator, team mentor, and FIRST Senior Mentor. She earned a Bachelors degree from Carnegie Mellon University and a Masters degree in Developmental Psychology (with a Neuroscience focus) from the University of Texas at Austin.

Please join us in welcoming our new Co-Chief Volunteer Coordinators!

[Doug Frisk]

Originally Posted by Hallry

Posted on the FRC Blog, 10/26/16: http://www.firstinspires.org/robotic...-frc-chief-vcs

Congrats Laurie!

[Doug Frisk]

Originally Posted by Doug Frisk

Congrats Laurie!

Jess too, though I don't know we've ever met.

[marshall]

I hope Jessica got one hell of a severance package.

[Billfred]

Originally Posted by marshall

I hope Jessica got one hell of a severance package.

Originally Posted by marshall

severance

Careful with that word, please!

F'real though, congratulations to Laurie and Jess!

[Jon Stratis]

Congrats to both! Obviously I know Laurie better, but I've been able to work with Jess several years at champs too. They are both outstanding people that work ridiculously hard to make FIRST what it is at every event!

[Ginger Power]

Having worked extensively with Laurie over the past 2 years, I know this job is in amazing hands. So excited for her!

[Jessica Boucher]

Originally Posted by marshall

I hope Jessica got one hell of a severance package.

I announced my retirement from the role a few months ago. My company was acquired and all of my energy has been dedicated there.

Both Jess and Laurie are great choices! I approve!

[frcguy]

Originally Posted by Billfred

Careful with that word, please!

No, that's what happens when she doesn't get her severance package

[Koko Ed]

Congrats and good luck ladies! I look forward to working with both of you!

[marshall]

Originally Posted by Jessica Boucher

I announced my retirement from the role a few months ago. My company was acquired and all of my energy has been dedicated there.

Both Jess and Laurie are great choices! I approve!

Exciting times! M&A are always fun.

[D_Price]

Congratulations to Laurie and Jess!