VISTA Leadership Megastars – Joyce Chester

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VISTA Leadership Megastars

Joyce Chester — whose youth was spent in Philadelphia, Delaware County, and Bucks County, where she graduated from Bensalem High School — is the President and CEO of the Chester County Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC). The OIC is a community-based nonprofit that meets the needs of economically disadvantaged individuals by creating opportunities for them to prepare for sustainable employment and financial independence through education, training, and support services.

Chester, who possesses a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Immaculata University and certificates from Bryn Mawr College’s Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research, said her proudest professional achievement is nurturing and growing Chester County OIC.

“Twenty years ago, when I started, the agency had an annual budget of less than $200,000,” she said. “It’s now more than $1 million. Also, we own two major assets: our building and a new van. This growth is reflective of the awesome staff we attract and the fulfilling service we provide to Chester County residents.”

Chester, who inspires others through her own work ethic and manages through motivation and with humor, offered her thoughts on what makes a successful leader.

“A leader is someone who not only walks their talk but does so with thoughtfulness and caring and engages others in achievement of the mission and vision,” she said.

Of the 12 Principles of the Scout Law — Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent — Chester believes that “Loyal” has had the greatest impact on her career and life.

“Although all are sound principles, and I try to master all, I am loyal to a fault,” she said. “I believe that healthy loyalties build trust and confidence and speaks to a person’s true character. As a former Girl Scout, I still remember my pledge: ‘On my honor, I will try to do my duty to God and my country, to help other people at all times, and to obey the Girl Scout laws.’ Some things never leave you.”

The Chester County Council, Boy Scouts of America will honor Chester and the 11 other VISTA Leadership Megastars at a hybrid awards ceremony on Sept. 14 at its new Program, Activity, and Resource Campus (PARC) in Exton. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information, contact Sarah Ponzio at sarah.ponzio@scouting.org or 610-696-2900 x 121.

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