Today we’d like to introduce you to Jill Skinner.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve had an interesting career, starting in 1988 after graduating from UT and moving out to Los Angeles where I worked at MCA Records for a short time, before being hired on as an assistant to the Chairman of MCA Music Group, Irving Azoff. Shortly after starting with him, we left MCA to start a joint venture record label, Giant Records, with Warner Bros. Working with major artists in recording, management and touring, I moved on after 12 years. It was an amazing experience but time to try my hand at something else. I ended up at a dot com (you know those days – 2000 – everyone and their mother was starting a dot com). It was a blast – for 10 months – then we ran out of money. Onto the next venture! I did several small jobs before landing a position as an Associate Producer for Dr. Phil. I did that for a year before being promoted to writer/producer and did that for another 4 years. Incredible experience and I certainly learned a lot – however, the work was extremely stressful and I had had enough. I knew at some point, I wanted to return to my hometown of Austin. The end of my contract at Dr. Phil gave me the perfect opportunity to do so. I came back to Austin in 2007 – and worked a production job for a year – before landing at Make-A-Wish where I served for 14 years. I started as their Chief Program Officer, then Chief Marketing Officer, then Major Gifts Officer. My experience gave me a well-rounded education in the nonprofit world. In 2003, I heard of an opportunity to serve as Executive Director of Drive a Senior ATX – interviewed and landed the job. In 2004, we began discussions with two other mission-aligned agencies, Chariot and Senior Access – to merge together to form one united agency – Drive a Senior. I now serve as Executive Director for Drive a Senior.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not sure it’s ever a smooth road. If we knew in advance what we were about to go through, we’d never get off the couch. Most of my struggles came from dealing with incredibly difficult people – those with an overblown sense of importance (the stories I can tell) – and dealing not only with the stress of that, but with difficult deadlines, and at times – impossible situations. I’ve learned so much from every position I’ve ever held, which has helped me in many ways. There were plenty of times, in each of my positions, where I’ve wanted to walk out – but I stayed. We taped Dr. Phil at Paramount studios – every morning on my drive in, I would see the gardeners grooming the gorgeous grounds surrounding the lot – and would think to myself, “God, I wish that was my job.” I did a show with Bill Cosby (before the news broke) and I was so tired, so stressed out, and I told him when the show we were taping was over, I was going to quit and go work at Starbucks. I was serious. He grabbed my hand, looked straight at me and said, ‘No, you’re not. You know why? Because you’re too good at what you do.” It was quite a moment for me – a wonderful memory. I so enjoyed working with him. When his story broke – so too did my heart. I’ve had struggles when I was between jobs – not knowing what I was going to do – what I wanted to do – or how I was going to pay my rent. It all seemed to work out and I always seemed to land on my feet in a position that brought me challenges, frustrating, and great experiences. At Drive a Senior, I am reminded every day of how many wonderful, compassionate people there are out there. It’s a scary world – you have to surround yourself with kindness and gratitude. The clients we serve are so amazing – their stories are funny, heart-warming, sad, and courageous. It’s not easy getting old – as Betty Davis said – it’s not for sissies. These days, when I get stressed out, I do a ride with a client. It puts everything back into perspective for me – and it’s always a joy.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
This is a tough one. I think throughout my experiences, I learned how to deal with difficult people. Or people going through a difficult time. I read people well – and I am good at building relationships. Though I think that only comes easily because I truly like people. I can’t imagine working for corporate america where you’re just a number to someone. Nonprofit is not easy – you have to wear so many hats and it’s always a struggle raising money and resources. But it’s so rewarding. I have a lot of skills – don’t we all. My most valuable is relationship building and communication.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Who has time for these things? LOL. I love The Road – probably my favorite. And I love reading crime novels. I don’t really listen to podcasts – I used to try listening in the car but it would make me nod off – even the really good ones! I’m a music fan of all genres – except “pop” country. Give me Willie Nelson, Charlie Rich, Charlie Robison, etc.
At work, I do subscribe to several nonprofit newsletters that aren’t coming to me at the moment – and I’m involved with other groups involved in transportation and the aging community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://driveasenior.org
