Volunteer Center of Lubbock

Name:  Sharon Hyde Bass
Agency:  Volunteer Center of Lubbock
Years with the Agency:  13
Years in Non-Profit Work:  13 Paid, 33 Volunteer
Hometown:  Odessa, Texas
College: Attended Baylor,Undergraduate from University of Texas Austin, Masters Degree from Texas Tech

Major(s):  Undergraduate, Elementary Education and English, Masters in Human Development

Higher Ed:  Masters in Human Development from Texas Tech University

Past Jobs before you were in Non-Profit Work:  Elementary School Teacher, Office Manager for an OB/GYN’s Office, Director of Religious Education at St. Paul’s Church, and Self Employed as a Consultant - Nurturing Groups

Family:  Husband Byrnie, 2 sons, Rob – 31 a Writer, living in Austin, married to Katherine and Brett, 27, a Bass Musician, living in New York City

Pets:  None currently.

What are the most important rewards in your career and why did you choose it? Sharon feels that her career chose her.  It is the best fit of things that she is good at, and the things that she tries to be good at; to try to be who she wants to be in the world.  She is rewarded by the fact that her career allows her to serve everybody, not just one select group.  She gets to match people up everyday, people that may not even know exactly what they can do to help, or how much they really are needed in our community.  She gets to provide hope!

What are your interests outside of work?  Sharon enjoys reading, cooking, and being with her family and friends; having conversation with the people close to her.  She loves to hear her sons play music.

What accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction and why?  Putting her family first.  Being married to Byrnie Bass and meeting him, which is not a singular accomplishment.  They have been married for 38 years.  Also raising her sons here in Lubbock, knowing that they are now out in the world and flourishing by being exactly who they were made to be.  These are just small pieces she says.  Also, seeing the Volunteer Center grow so much to be who and where they are now – where they are meant to be.

Who is your hero?  Byrnie

What two or three things are most important to you in your job?  Staying focused on their vision and mission.  Who they are, and who they are meant to be.  Being very inclusive since everyone in our community has something to contribute.  Supporting her staff.  She is committed to their personal growth and to making it a comfortable place that they are very committed to.

Where is your favorite place you have been on vacation and why?  Camp Davis, a family camp in New Mexico on the edge of the Pecos.  When her boys were young they would camp there, in the wilderness.