Wendy Thacker says she has her dream job. She has turned her service to the community, often performed as a volunteer in her spare time, into a full-time occupation.
Now, as Vice-President of Philanthropy and Community Engagement at ScanSource, she collaborates with leaders across Greenville to expand her positive impact on those in need.
Thacker plays a pivotal role in ScanSource’s philanthropic efforts to create and fund programs that directly address needs in the Greenville community. She says she is especially passionate about addressing the needs of children, with her focus on the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential and grow into a capable and thriving adult.
Wendy Thacker, Vice-President of Philanthropy and Community Engagement at ScanSource
We caught up with Thacker to learn more about her new role at ScanSource and how it helps support children in reaching their potential. Here, she shares some wisdom on achieving career success, her background and how she hopes to help.
TALK Greenville: Thanks for taking the time to talk with us. Tell us a little about your background.
Wendy Thacker: Greenville is my home. It’s where I grew up and decided to build my career. I attended the University of South Carolina and hold a BA in Journalism with a focus on Advertising/Public Relations. My parents, brother and his family all live in Greenville, making it a city that holds a very special place in my heart. I’m a proud aunt to three nephews and I am “Aunt Wendy” to all my friends’ children as well.
TG: Tell us how growing up in Greenville helped shape you personally and professionally.
WT: Greenville is thriving but maintains its small-town charm. Growing up here allowed me to enjoy a wonderful childhood and just be a kid. Being from Greenville has given me the privilege of knowing many people. As we continue this journey to make a meaningful impact on our community, it’s offered me the opportunity to know who to call on to come alongside us.
TG: Can you describe your career trajectory?
WT: I joined ScanSource in 1996 and have held roles across the organization. Most recently, I served as VP of Channel Marketing, and prior to that, I held roles as Director of Vendor Business and Marketing with the Networking and Security division and Team Leader in the POS division. I also oversaw marketing and business development for Motorola Solutions, in the services division and corporate marketing.
TG: What piqued your interest in pursuing a career in community engagement and philanthropy?
WT: I’ve always liked rolling up my sleeves and giving back. Early in my career at ScanSource, I participated in a project purchasing Christmas presents for children. I loved that employee-led initiatives created a meaningful impact, because community engagement and serving others have always been important to me. I approached our CEO with three big ideas for Greenville, one being to adopt a Title I school, giving us a chance to make an impact and let our employees be part of the journey. This pilot project is now under way and there are plans to extend it across the country to areas where our employees work and live. I initially planned to serve on a committee in my spare time to accomplish this goal, but now I’ve been able to make this my new role at ScanSource. It’s my dream job.
TG: Tell us more about the project and what it entails.
WT: With the help of Greenville County Schools, we identified Thomas E. Kerns Elementary School as the school to adopt. Our Impact 360 program focuses on creating and executing specific activities within the school to foster knowledge and broaden experience. The program focuses on nutrition and food insecurity, education, clothing and hygiene, life skills and physical and mental health. Some of those initiatives have included a family fall festival, career day, field trip funding, staff appreciation, employee room moms and dads, and more. Our employees are focused on surrounding the school and using their time, resources and talents to make an impact on the children and staff.
TG: How do you define leadership and what experiences helped you become a leader?
WT: In this role, it’s important to tell the story and to inspire others to come alongside you with the end goal in mind. Being a leader is all about painting the picture, having the goal in mind, and empowering others to use their talents and resources to help you accomplish the goal together.
TG: What are your top three tips for success in business?
WT: Fail often and fail fast. I believe you learn from your experiences, including mistakes. You’ll never learn if you don’t at least try. Surround yourself with great people who have different skills to offer, so you can always listen and see other viewpoints. Know your purpose. Purpose should drive everything you do.
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: 15 Minutes With … Wendy Thacker of ScanSource
Read the full article here
