Sheryl was born and raised in Seattle, where she still has family. Sheryl's high school education wrapped up quicker than usual. She graduated at 16 years old when the family learned they were being transferred by Boeing to cover Australia, New Zealand and Southern Asia region. Several years later, including a year attending the University of New South Wales in Sydney, the family returned to Seattle.
Upon graduating from the University of Washington, Sheryl headed to California to work for the San Bernardino Health Dept. where she met, worked, and eventually married Bob. Following Bob's hospital administration/philanthropy career, they traveled through California, Texas, and New Mexico finally ending up in Hobbs, New Mexico.
Sheryl holds a master degree in public health and worked in the field for numerous years. However her charitable work here in Hobbs is how many of us best know Sheryl.
Recognizing the need for child advocacy services in Lea County, Sheryl worked diligently to re-establish the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Lea County program in 2003. The first few years were challenging, finding someone to properly manage the organization, securing funding, and making a name for the organization in the community. In addition to serving as board president and being the glue that kept CASA going for four years, she became an expert volunteer, taking on the most challenging of court cases and always being the "go to" person when other volunteers were looking for sound advice. Her hard work, savvy leadership, heartfelt compassion, and undying dedication built an organization that is well respected in the community, praised by local legislators, and continually growing with a strong future as a vital organization for the county.
In support of CASA, Sheryl worked with other key community members to create and develop the annual Tour of Habitats and CASAs in 2005. It was her enthusiasm, inspiration and leadership that brought together the two organizations to collaborate on the fund raising home tour, which she chaired for three years. The tour has raised an amazing $200,000 in its first four years and continues to grow.
Many
civic and non-profit organizations have recognized Sheryl for her self-less, dedicated volunteerism. In 2006, Sheryl received the prestigious New Mexico Lt. Governor's Volunteer of the Year Award. Her community involvement extends to numerous other groups as well, such as the United Way, Hobbs schools, the Junior Service League, and the Lea County Women's Network. For the second consecutive year, Sheryl will host the LCWN Annual Wine Tasting in her home.
Sheryl and her husband, Bob, have two children, Ashley who is a senior in college, and, Mallet, a junior in Hobbs High School who recently took second place in the state diving competition. For those of you who know Sheryl, you will be amazed to see the wonderful results of her renewed commitment to get in shape. And for those who haven't yet met Sheryl, we hope you will join us at her house next month for the Wine Tasting taking place on Thursday, April 23.
Photo: At the February LCWN luncheon, Sheryl Reid introduced her luncheon guest, Kathleen Yarger, who recently moved to Hobbs for her husband's work.
