1. Tell us about yourself.

I currently serve as the Senior Vice President of AAA Membership & Fins Car Wash for AAA Carolinas. I oversee all Membership aspects of AAA Carolinas business to include Marketing, Branding, Digital Engagement, Emergency Road Service, Fins Car Wash, and Customer Relationship Management. A native of Columbus, Georgia, I hold a Master of Business Administration degree from Auburn University, with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration Management from Columbus State University. I am passionate about working in the community and serve on the board of directors for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central and Western NC, and the Piedmont Better Business Bureau.

2. What made you decide to go through our Excellence in Speaking Institute and how do you feel it impacted you?

I decided to go through the ESI after being exposed to the program through my Vistage membership. Anne came in and did an overview of the program and I knew that I had to attend. I am a consummate learner and always looking for ways to hone my skills and improve my trade. In my role (or any leadership role for that matter), communication is one of the most important skills and improving my ability to do so is a constant process.

The ESI course was one of the top personal/professional improvement programs that I have EVER attended. I very intentionally say “personal and professional” as the impact was more extensive than just an improvement in my public speaking skills. I recommend and refer that all of my colleagues and team members go through this program and over the years since attending I have put dozens through the program and without fail EVERYONE has been a raving fan.

I personally walked away with a much heightened sense of awareness of my communication style and “ism’s” that I need to constantly be aware of and work on. The self-awareness component has been the greatest ongoing takeaway since taking ESI in 2011. I wouldn’t trade this course for anything. If I could wave a magic wand I would have done it years sooner.

3. What are you passionate about and what do you enjoy doing in your free time?

In my free time I love to be active and engage in a variety of physical fitness activities to include running, cycling, swimming, etc (Editor's note: Dusty is a triathlete and has completed 5 Ironman races!). I love spending time with family and this includes camping and basically anything outdoors. Hunting, fishing, etc. I never sit still so the few times that you catch me sitting I am likely to be reading a good book as I am an avid reader and am constantly reading on a wide variety of topics.