10 Questions with Sherry Roark

1 THE BEST LEADERS SUPPORT THEIR TEAMS BY

leading by example, listening to the team, providing motivation and clear communication, and inspiring individuals to reach their personal and professional goals. A good leader should never hold anyone back, but instead provide a positive work environment and guidance for them to understand their purpose in their position.

A supervisor once told me that “the team is here to make me look good.” At the time, I was not sure what to think about that statement but later I realized what she meant was providing the training and communication to build a successful team that would be able to lead in her absence. That was a powerful statement that stuck with me throughout my career, and I strive to be the leader in whatever I do to inspire people to reach their goals in both their personal and professional life.

2 I DEFINE A GREAT ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE AS

one that is founded on core values. A great organizational culture empowers staff by clearly defining expectations, recognizing their achievements, and celebrating their successes.

3 ONE THING I TRY TO DO EVERY DAY

is to make a positive impact on those around me, whether it be my children, my colleagues, my friends, or my community. You truly do not know what a person is going through, and I am a believer that you could be that person who turns their day around. I love to joke around with my kids and my husband. I am sure they think I am crazy at times with my mom jokes or silly dances, but it is worth the laugh/smile I get from them.

4 I FEEL MOST ALIVE WHEN

vacationing with my family. Making memories and listening to stories my kids tell my husband and me are the best. It makes my heart so happy to see them happy.

5 TO AVOID DISTRACTIONS

I want to say that I avoid phone calls and texts and prioritize emails and tasks but that is not always the truth. I do have lists, many many lists, calendars (written and electronic), but honestly, I just roll with whatever comes my way. I always go back to my list to make sure I am prioritizing what I need to get accomplished for the day, but I am usually just multi-tasking all the time.

6 I HANDLE NEGATIVITY BY

attempting to empathize and offer support. I try to consider that it may be something personal someone is going through. I listen to their concerns and try to figure out what I can do to help the issue if anything. However, I have learned that at times, removing myself from the situation is the best thing to do.

7 ONE THING THAT IS DIFFICULT FOR ME BUT I ENJOY

is helping students struggling by volunteering in my community. We moved from East Texas in 2013 where I lived my entire life and knew everyone in our small community. I learned that with the fast-paced growth of Jarrell, the only way for me to learn about the school my son attends and our community was to become involved in the community. There are times when keeping up with my full-time job, being part of the JHS PTO, and being on the Sonterra MUD board can be difficult. I do these things because I want to give back to the children and teachers in our community, plus I do really enjoy it.

8 MY BEST ADVICE FOR HANDLING CHANGE IS

to recognize change is a necessary part of growth and to maintain a positive and proactive attitude. I strive to encourage others to perceive change positively, focus on controllable factors, and rely on my faith to give me the strength I need each day.

9 IN TEN YEARS

I HOPE TO be retired and traveling. My goal is to continue to collaborate with my community, the schools, and to be more involved in helping foster children find their forever homes.

10 I DEFINE SUCCESS AS

achieving a balanced and fulfilling life, making a positive impact on others, and continuously growing and learning.

Jarrell residents since 2018, Sherry and her husband of 22 years have four sons. They enjoy traveling and cruising as a family, and Sherry says, “spending time with our children and making memories while we can is what’s most important in our lives.”

Sherry consistently shows her heart for the community by engaging with the school district, serving on the JISD PTO, and serving as a director on the Sonterra MUD Board, saying, "I believe our efforts will contribute to build a better future for our community.” She is also involved with the Fairy Godmother Closet of Jarrell, a project that provides formal and semi-formal dresses to girls and women of all ages. “This year, we successfully provided dresses and prom preparation (hair, makeup, flowers, etc.), and I am enthusiastic about its continued growth,” she says. “I put my heart into everything I do and hope to make a difference every day."

Sherry has worked for Texas Health and Human Services for the past 16 years. She has enjoyed serving in diverse areas, including substance abuse recovery and mothers-in-recovery programs, as well as working with special needs children and adults, special investigations, and early childhood intervention.