Prior to coming to The Arc, I had worked with a company that mandated a strict dress code to portray what they considered the "right way" to dress.  On the morning of my first day working for The Arc I realized I hadn't asked Buff about the dress code. When I had a chance I asked her, "is this okay to wear"?  Her answer was "you're a little overdressed".  She wanted the people we serve to feel comfortable, more like a caring family. 

 

That's how she treated her staff too, like family. Every month she scheduled a time to meet with each member individually and informally. The meeting was more than what was going on, what you might need from her, and what she needed you to do, it was a way to get to know her employees and keep the line of communication open. She never seemed to view "an open door policy" as an interruption. She welcomed people who came into the office as well as staff members most anytime. I don't believe she knew the word micro managing, because it never happened! You couldn't help but to flourish and grow under her guidance, and have a continued desire to be part of a team like that. 

 

Buff has always been more than a boss, she is truly an inspiring leader in every sense.  It was because of her and how she ran the office that my plan to take a year break from insurance changed into being a part of The Arc team for nearly 14 years.  When it became necessary to move on, Buff's leadership made it very difficult.  I feel very fortunately to have worked at The Arc under the "golden" leadership of Buff, it was the best!

 

I have always thoroughly enjoyed working with Buff on events like the Assistive Technology Challenge or The Arc People’s Choice Golf Tournament. She is a true champion for disability inclusion. 

 

Buff has been the rock of the Arc MN SE Office and a champion of human rights for over 40 years.  Her commitment to people with disabilities and their families goes unmatched throughout the state of MN. The mission of the Arc has been at the forefront of all the work she has done in the SE Region. 

 

As a boss, she is the BEST!  Buff has an open door policy ( with chocolate always on her desk), and will always make time for her staff, both work related and not work related. She strives to see the best in all of us, even when we fail.  Buff is connected to people, and esp to those who call her “ Boss”.. She leads her staff with grace and love. Even is the most uncertain of times, she is there with a listening ear, sound advice and the reassurance that she is always there for us. 

 

Buff is an extraordinary human being. 

She is smart, caring, funny, loving, thoughtful, welcoming, devoted and honest.  All of these qualities ( and more) radiate everyday from her in both her personal life and professional life.  

Words to describe her : champion, leader, boss, friend. 

 

The Arc MN SE Region ( and the Arc Minnesota), would absolutely not be what it is today, without the leadership of Buff. Everyone that has worked with her, and for her, is better because of it. 

Buff is not someone who seeks the spotlight, but she is known as a consummate leader and her name is always spoken with great respect as someone who possesses both the wisdom and knowledge.  In both her professional and her personal life, she has displayed a deep-seated passion for, and commitment to, persons with disabilities and their families.  She has a vast knowledge of issues and topics related to disability rights, including public policy, state and federal laws and innovative practices.  She is known for her ability to collaborate well with others including local agencies, community and state leaders.  She consistently demonstrates professionalism and has represented The Arc in a most distinguished manner.   

I can attest to the fact that Buff has made my daughter's life (and many others with disabilities) better through her extraordinary advocacy, empathy and outstanding support.  She is able to relate to persons with disabilities in a uniquely authentic and effective manner, supporting them in living full and joyful lives.  She has always been gifted with recognizing the talents and needs of those with disabilities and she has the ability to assist others in acknowledging and accepting the significance of disability issues. I have left many meetings which began with tension and ended with mutual understanding and plans for change due to her skilled inquiry, presentation and summation. Her ability to move others to adopt a “can do” attitude around inclusive employment, housing and recreation has transformed lives in our community, including my daughter’s.   

Buff exemplifies the vision and mission of The Arc and has guided and motivated us all to be better allies for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities for nearly 40 years. She is a wonderful example about living a full, giving life and she has made our community a better place to live for those with, and without, intellectual and developmental disabilities.