Leadership

Fosterfinds the key in Building Relationships

Tim and Mary Ann Foster, and sons Nathan and Sam, stop for a photo with General at Tim’s first Grizzlyfest as Alumni Board chair.

Tim Foster originally thought he would become an engineer like several family members. However, after studying engineering in college and working for several years in financial compliance, he found accounting and finance more to his liking. In 2007, he decided his career would benefit from “checking the box” of getting a degree in business administration. Because of its affordability and convenient location, he enrolled at GGC, where he found more than he expected. “At GGC, I learned many things from a scholastic standpoint, as well as how to build lasting relationships,” he said. “The friendships I made at GGC emboldened me and helped me build similar enduring relationships in the business world.” He appreciated the mentorship of his faculty, particularly Dr. James Weisel, professor of accountancy, who offered guidance even after Foster’s 2011 graduation. In 2014, Foster joined the GGC Alumni Board, citing gratitude for those who had “poured into my life and career” and a desire to pay it forward. In 2017, he became the second to serve as chair. Chad Miller, ’08, business, served as charter board chair for five years. “The Alumni Board flourished thanks to Chad and Tim’s leadership and the hard work, determination and service of its members,” said Holly Lisle, director of Alumni Engagement. “Together, they built a board reflective of the diversity of our rapidly expanding Grizzly family, and who work hard to build engagement opportunities for their fellow alumni now and for generations to come.” While Foster was chair, the board and GGC’s Advancement staff introduced more Alumni After Hours networking events and school-specific Alumni Mixers, expanded the Grizzlyfest homecoming concept and partnered on fundraising activities like GGC Days. “I’m very proud of the teamwork between the Alumni Board and Advancement staff,” Foster said. “The board thrived under Tim’s leadership and we’re grateful for his dedication and invaluable contributions toward helping the Alumni Association – and many projects across GGC – reach their full potential,” said Sasha Ruiz, ’11, business, now the board’s first female chair. She served with Foster on the board for five years as a member and as chair-elect from 2017-2020. “Tim’s expertise and commitment to servant leadership make him a sought-after resource, which is why we’re thrilled that he will continue to serve the college on a committee of the GGC Foundation Board of Trustees. We appreciate how Tim’s knowledge and demonstration of excellence inspire other Grizzlies to grow in their service,” she said. “Checking the box for a degree got me to take action for myself and my family,” said Tim, now chief compliance officer for the investment firm, Masters Capital Management, LLC, of Atlanta. “I found a community at GGC – you’re part of something bigger.” “If all you do is create small goals you only create small things. If you create a big goal and don’t succeed, you’ll still create big things,” Foster said, citing the Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG) concept. “But you won’t achieve a BHAG without a community.”