December 21, 2015 by JordanG
The NATA Research & Education Foundation welcomed Shelley Tims as its new director in the fall of 2015. Since that time, she has worked tirelessly to promote the NATA Foundation and its yearlong silver anniversary celebration, which kicks off in January 2016.
In the January NATA News, Tims discussed her professional background, goals for her new position and what members and the public could expect to see this year as the NATA Foundation turns 25. Below, Tims shares her personal side discussing her hobbies, achievements and her beloved dog, Angel.
You said you love to travel. Of the places you’ve visited, which has been your favorite and why?
My favorite trip thus far was peacock bass fishing on the Amazon. Every day of this trip had a remarkable new experience. Whether catching a new variety of peacock bass, walking the sandbars, having a beach lunch where our fish was caught and grilled immediately or just enjoying all of the species in the region, there was something magical and beautiful each day.
I also enjoyed being on a trip where there was a way to make a difference. We were able to visit a few of the villages that are right on the Rio Negro, and witness the local school classes. On a few days, we delivered our catch to fisherman and families living on the river or to the villages where our guides were from. It was not only a once in a lifetime trip, but at the same time was humbling and provided us a way to give back.
What other hobbies do you have?
I love to cook and entertain (I am a self-proclaimed foodie and want to be Martha Stewart), I love going to art shows and galleries and I am an avid reader. I also enjoy hiking and any sort of outdoor activity.
Tell us about Angel and how she came into your life.
I’ve had sweet Angel for more than 11 years and unlike most of us who rescue our new pet, Angel picked me. I was younger then and not as wise, as the day after Thanksgiving I was at NorthPark mall in Dallas dodging the crowd and wandering the area where the SPCA had its holiday adoption set up. Before I knew it, there is a dog running toward me with a volunteer chasing after it. Angel had broken away from her handler. This amazing and cute dog sat down in front of me. The volunteer starts profusely apologizing; I just asked to hear her story and handed over my credit card. The rest is more than 11 years of having a best friend.
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
As a communications and graphic major at Texas Christian University, I am a classically trained art student. My senior year was the first time that computers were ever introduced into the fine arts curriculum. I still try to find time to draw and paint, and my dream is to have a dedicated art studio.
If you could go back in time, what advice would you give to your younger self?
Don’t shy away from experiences or opportunities that will take you far outside your comfort zone as you most likely will never get a second chance. However; that being said, each experience has guided me to where I am today so I am not sure I’d heed that advice as a younger self still. What I would recommend to my younger self, or any younger self, is to trust your gut and that asking for help or an advantage is a good thing and shouldn’t be viewed as failure. Without a phone call on my behalf; I wouldn’t have the same answer to the next question, and there is no telling where I would be today!
So far in your career, what accomplishment are you most proud of?
I am most proud that I was the first female member of the management team at Williamson Printing Corp. When I joined the management team, the company was in its 121st year. I was able to make a difference in our work environment and with our customers. I brought a different leadership perspective to an industry that was primarily viewed as a boys club, and it was truly an honor to lead in this capacity. I also brought a philanthropic side to the company, and through my involvement with other organizations, was able to elevate our commitment to the community in conjunction with efforts from our HR team. Knowing that I had achieved a college degree that I was able to use daily for 20-plus years and that it turned into a 15-plus year career with the same company, culminating with the opportunity to lead and represent the company nationwide was an outstanding accomplishment for me.
Posted by Beth Sitzler, NATA News Managing Editor (beths@nata.org)
In the January NATA News, Tims discussed her professional background, goals for her new position and what members and the public could expect to see this year as the NATA Foundation turns 25. Below, Tims shares her personal side discussing her hobbies, achievements and her beloved dog, Angel.
You said you love to travel. Of the places you’ve visited, which has been your favorite and why?
My favorite trip thus far was peacock bass fishing on the Amazon. Every day of this trip had a remarkable new experience. Whether catching a new variety of peacock bass, walking the sandbars, having a beach lunch where our fish was caught and grilled immediately or just enjoying all of the species in the region, there was something magical and beautiful each day.
I also enjoyed being on a trip where there was a way to make a difference. We were able to visit a few of the villages that are right on the Rio Negro, and witness the local school classes. On a few days, we delivered our catch to fisherman and families living on the river or to the villages where our guides were from. It was not only a once in a lifetime trip, but at the same time was humbling and provided us a way to give back.
What other hobbies do you have?
I love to cook and entertain (I am a self-proclaimed foodie and want to be Martha Stewart), I love going to art shows and galleries and I am an avid reader. I also enjoy hiking and any sort of outdoor activity.
Tell us about Angel and how she came into your life.
I’ve had sweet Angel for more than 11 years and unlike most of us who rescue our new pet, Angel picked me. I was younger then and not as wise, as the day after Thanksgiving I was at NorthPark mall in Dallas dodging the crowd and wandering the area where the SPCA had its holiday adoption set up. Before I knew it, there is a dog running toward me with a volunteer chasing after it. Angel had broken away from her handler. This amazing and cute dog sat down in front of me. The volunteer starts profusely apologizing; I just asked to hear her story and handed over my credit card. The rest is more than 11 years of having a best friend.
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
As a communications and graphic major at Texas Christian University, I am a classically trained art student. My senior year was the first time that computers were ever introduced into the fine arts curriculum. I still try to find time to draw and paint, and my dream is to have a dedicated art studio.
If you could go back in time, what advice would you give to your younger self?
Don’t shy away from experiences or opportunities that will take you far outside your comfort zone as you most likely will never get a second chance. However; that being said, each experience has guided me to where I am today so I am not sure I’d heed that advice as a younger self still. What I would recommend to my younger self, or any younger self, is to trust your gut and that asking for help or an advantage is a good thing and shouldn’t be viewed as failure. Without a phone call on my behalf; I wouldn’t have the same answer to the next question, and there is no telling where I would be today!
So far in your career, what accomplishment are you most proud of?
I am most proud that I was the first female member of the management team at Williamson Printing Corp. When I joined the management team, the company was in its 121st year. I was able to make a difference in our work environment and with our customers. I brought a different leadership perspective to an industry that was primarily viewed as a boys club, and it was truly an honor to lead in this capacity. I also brought a philanthropic side to the company, and through my involvement with other organizations, was able to elevate our commitment to the community in conjunction with efforts from our HR team. Knowing that I had achieved a college degree that I was able to use daily for 20-plus years and that it turned into a 15-plus year career with the same company, culminating with the opportunity to lead and represent the company nationwide was an outstanding accomplishment for me.
Posted by Beth Sitzler, NATA News Managing Editor (beths@nata.org)
