Building a Legacy of Financial Excellence
Valerie Deckard’s professional journey started with a degree from Oakland City University and ends with The Villages of Indiana, Inc. as Executive Vice President of Finance. After thirty-two years working for the mission and ensuring the agency’s foundation was strong to continue to change her community for kids, she’s stepping down to slide into her Tevas and hike the great outdoors.
In 1991 Val began her storied journey with The Villages of Indiana, Inc. as the Group Home Bookkeeper, then advanced into the Staff Accountant role, followed by the Vice President of Operations position, and ending as the Executive Vice President of Finance.
Val is very grateful to have played a part in the growth of The Villages, and, alongside her mighty Finance team, has ensured that the agency’s financial reporting met compliance requirements and most recently, a perfect score from the Council on Accreditation on their Financial Standard.
Val treasures the people and relationships that made working at The Villages so special and has many great memories to take with her as she dons her bucket hat, sunglasses, and maps out the trails ahead as she embraces her explorer-self.
Thanking the more than 250 Villages employees in her farewell message, Val’s shared the following quote, “We live in a world in which we need to share responsibility. It’s easy to say, ‘It’s not my child, not my community, not my world, not my problem.’ Then there are those who see the need and respond. I consider those people my heroes.” Fred Rogers, 1928-2002.
A few comments from Val’s treasured colleagues…
“As Val embarks on this new chapter of her life, we celebrate her accomplishments and wish her nothing but the best in her well-deserved retirement. Whether she’s exploring the great outdoors or reminiscing about her time at The Villages while sitting on the beach, we know that Valerie’s spirit of adventure and dedication will continue to inspire us all.”
Shannon Schumacher, President and CEO
“Val’s dedication to The Villages’ mission shines through, even in the face of us social workers and our ‘social worker math.’ She always managed to find patience, often resorting to ‘breaking out the crayons’ to clarify concepts. Beyond her professional prowess, Val was a constant source of support. Her presence will be deeply missed.”
Brenda Chapin, Chief Operating Officer
“Val is best described as down-to-earth, compassionate, and possessing a wonderful sense of humor. One of my fondest memories is when she encountered a raccoon trapped in our parking lot dumpster. With her characteristic patience and empathy, she refused to give up until she had crafted a solution for the little fellow’s escape.”
Amy Sanderson, VP of Quality Assurance and Information
“Val has been more than just a colleague; she’s been a steadfast friend and an invaluable resource, always ready to tackle any challenge with her trademark wit and wisdom. As she embarks on her well-deserved retirement, her legacy of camaraderie and expertise will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who have the privilege to know her.”
Kim Davis, Finance Compliance Manager