Vincette Goerl

After a successful career as a leader, problem solver and financial manager in the federal government and over a decade in the public sector providing advisory support to the federal government, Vincette Goerl decided to use her expertise and years of experience to help others. Her first step was to establish Goerl Consulting, LLC, where she provides financial and business management advisory services to federal government agencies.

The second element of her plan was to serve as a director on corporate boards.  Vincette knew she had the experience to be a strong board candidate but needed some help positioning herself for corporate board service. She wanted to understand how a corporate board operates, the responsibilities of board members; and how serving on corporate boards differed from her non-profit board experiences.  In addition, she wanted advice on how to market her strengths to board expectations and requirements. After evaluating her options, Vincette applied to The Leadership Foundry program managed by Women in Technology (WIT).

“The Leadership Foundry offered the program that best aligned to my objectives”, says Vincette.  The formal National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) Governance Fellowship workshop included in the program addressed her first objective.  Her second goal was addressed in the informal evening programs.

Vincette added that The Leadership Foundry program provided her with “the opportunity to connect with like-minded women, learn from their experiences and expand her networking.”

In the spring of 2013 Vincette was The Leadership Foundry’s first graduate to be appointed to a corporate board. She was selected to serve on the FedBid Board of Advisors.  FedBid offers a reverse auction marketplace for business and government commerce.  “The two years I served on the FedBid board was an excellent experience,” she remarked recently.  Vincette left the board in January concurrent with a change in executive leadership.

In her role, Vincette spent approximately 10-15 hours a month on board service for FedBid.  She explains “advisory board members share their expertise formally at board meetings and informally in one-on-one conversations with company executives.”  In addition, she says, “I was able to bring my rolodex of relevant federal and private sector contacts to help FedBid “open doors.” Furthermore, via speaking engagements, I was able to increase company visibility.”

For those considering board service, Vinecette credits The Leadership Foundry for her success.  “Participation in the program helped me develop the skills and provided the access to people and organizations necessary to successfully identify, pursue and achieve a position on a corporate board,”

When Vincette was appointed in 2013, Ali Saadat then Board Chair, Founder and CEO for FedBid agreed, “WIT has developed an amazing program in The Leadership Foundry, and we’re pleased to benefit from the amazing talent the program attracts and cultivates.”  He went on say “individuals like Vincette strengthen our board and the organization with their insight and experience.”

Vincette says that her term with FedBids was extremely positive.  “I learned from the experience and my colleagues and expanded my network. “

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Interested in the possibilities of board service?  Explore www.TheLeadershipFoundry to learn more about The Leadership Foundry and how it can support your objectives.