Member Spotlight: Jo Ann Orr

Member Spotlight: Jo Ann Orr

I grew up in Elmira, New York, and moved to Florida in January 1968.  Before my career at a mental health center, I worked as a grocery clerk, clerk typist at the Florida Department of Transportation, and an accounting clerk in a department.  In 1974 I began my career at the Guidance Clinic of the Middle Keys as a clerk typist and retired in June 30, 2000, as the Chief Fiscal Officer.  After retiring from there I became bored and went to part-time for a security company and then moved on to the Domestic Abuse Shelter where I worked until 2009.

I joined BPW in October 1976 and have served on many committees and served as an officer for many years at the local, district, and state levels.  My career in BPW began with serving as Treasurer, Vice President and President of BPW/Marathon.  I moved on to serve as District Treasurer and District Director.  In 1989 I became BPW/FL Treasurer and then moved on to BPW/FL Second Vice President.  I have served as BPW/FL Budget and Audit Chairs several times.  For the past five years I have served as the Treasurer of the BPW/FL Education Foundation.

Since retiring, my husband Joe and I have concentrated on traveling.  We have been on several planned tours and cruises, several of which were enjoyed with my sister and her husband.  We have lived in the Middle Keys on Duck Key since September 2001.  Both Joe and I moved to the Middle Keys in 1968 but did not meet until 1979 and were married on Valentine’s Day in 1981.