Always looking towards the future and never settling for the here and now, Los Angeles Council President Jim Weiss concludes his six-year term at the helm following one of this Council’s most progressive periods in its 102-year history.
During his tenure, the retired Caltech scientist, who was once featured in Time magazine and given a Presidential accommodation from President Bill Clinton for his work in the space industry, has overseen the following expansion:
• Renovated offices at L.A. Council’s headquarters to meet the growing needs, including a state-of-the-art conference room for meetings and teleconferencing across its three-county region of L.A., Ventura and Santa Barbara;
• New stores in Long Beach and Oxnard, which include state-of-the-art district offices for workshops and teleconferencing with Council’s L.A. office, and more;
• Affordable housing in Camarillo (five units) and Los Angeles (four units), as well as a second Francisco House for parolees;
• Renovation of Circle V Ranch Camp;
• Diversification of Council investments for future growth;
• Empowerment of the Council’s District Presidents;
• Development and fundraising;
• Continued relationship-building with local, state and national political leaders, other charitable organizations and potential funding sources.
“We can never be satisfied with the present. We always need to be looking ahead. Hopefully, I accomplished that through the programs we started and/or began. It does help, though, when you have so many dedicated Vincentians supporting you and fighting the same cause. For that, I am truly thankful.”
Being a Vincentian can be a full time job. Jim is thankful to have a wife who has been understanding of his time, especially the past six years as president.
“My wife, Pat, and family have sacrificed a lot for me, but they have supported me through it all,” said Jim, who recently celebrated his 46th wedding anniversary and is “proud” to be a great grandfather.
Thank you, Jim, for the devotion you have given the L.A. Council. Your foresight and wisdom will continue to impact countless lives for years to come!
For complete story, please see the Society's Fall newsletter, Society Outreach.
Photo: Jim Weiss with his wife, Pat, and daughter, Maria.
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