By Marc Hausman, Strategic Communications Group
Interview with Rene LaVigne, Iron Bow Technologies CEO
Many C-level executives in our region consider their participation in charitable and community groups as important to the success of their company as any executive responsibility. Whether it’s a board position, fundraising or event coordination, the active support of a well chosen not-for-profit enhances their own professional reputation, as well as the visibility of their company.
Although these activities may comprise a compelling business ROI, the motivation for community and charitable giving has to be genuine and, in most instances, personal.
That’s certainly true for Iron Bow Technologies’ CEO Rene LaVigne. He recently shared with me a host of community based efforts he has supported over the last twenty plus years, most importantly, his passion for Doctors Community Hospital, a 200-bed facility in Prince George’s County, Maryland where he chairs the board.
LaVigne’s non-compensatory role with the hospital can be consuming and is typically addressed after he puts in an extended work week at Iron Bow Technologies, a $750M technology solutions provider to government and commercial customers. He has been on the Doctors Community Hospital board since 2008 before signing on as their first non-executive board chair.
“It’s important to be more than a business face in the community,” LaVigne explained. “I have lived in Prince George’s County. My company is visible throughout the region. Places like Doctors Community Hospital depend upon business professionals to further its enhancement and evolution. I’ve always been focused on giving back to the community which is inherent in my personality Nar du registrer deg eller setter inn penger, sa far du en bonus fra online casino alle vare casino online er. and I have a particular fondness for healthcare after combating a health scare of my own a few years ago.”
LaVigne’s commitment to contribute extends beyond Doctors Community nbso Hospital. He is treasurer of the Technology Council of Maryland, serves on the executive committee of the Maryland Hospital Association and is a board member at the Prince George’s Community College Foundation.man
Further, LaVigne is intensely focused on education and serves on the board of regents at Loyola Marymount University and is a strong supporter of Loyola High School. He is an alumnus of both institutions and provides dedicated scholarships to deserving students in need of financial support.
“I support these institutions not only because of their excellence in developing young people but because of the memorable impact they had on me during my formative years,” LaVigne said.
Even with such an active business, community and charitable calendar, LaVigne also made it a point to mention how he served as a youth sports coach for the better part of a decade.
The experience of mentoring kids, as well as connecting with his own children was gratifying. LaVigne acknowledges that some of his most memorable mentors were his coaches and he’s tried to help kids in a similar way. Yet, coaching also created opportunities for LaVigne to establish tighter bonds with employees.
“Over the years, I’ve had a number of employees volunteer their time to help me out as assistant coaches,” he said. “It was a way for them to give back and spend some quality time with me.”
LaVigne’s resume of altruistic endeavors is lengthy. Has this paid off for him professionally? And how has it contributed to Iron Bow Technologies’ standing in the market?
To his credit, LaVigne didn’t want to go there during our interview, rather steering the conversation back to how important he views his role as an advisory board member to several emerging growth companies in the region.
Yet, it’s clear that LaVigne’s zeal for his work outside of Iron Bow Technologies can at times be eclipsed by his intense focus on the business. Like all Washington area executives, he recognizes the all mighty impact of the top and bottom lines.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Marc Hausman is president and CEO of Strategic Communications Group, a social media and public relations consultancy based in Silver Spring, Maryland. Read more at http://www.strategicguy.blogspot.com