Volunteer of the Month: Peter Boam

written by Holly Bearden

I was immediately drawn to Peter the first time I "officially" met him. Though we had exchanged several e-mails over the months, it wasn't until he came in to present at one of our monthly orientations that I was able to put a face to the name. This is just one example of why Peter is great- he is always willing to help. Anytime I ask him to come speak at a volunteer orientation, not only is he more than willing, but he's completely animated and engaging the entire time. When Peter does come to speak, he speaks on his work with BoardMatch- one of our core volunteer programs that helps connect engaged individuals with nonprofits that are in need of board members. During times of financial downturn, volunteers like Peter are crucial to nonprofits who have experienced funding cuts and layoffs. Peter's work helps bridge the gap between nonprofits lacking the necessary manpower to keep their programs strong, and volunteers who are looking to make an impact. 

I'm not the only person who is fond if Peter. BoardMatch's Program Director Marsha Roberts has nothing but nice things to say; "we are very luck to have Peter on our BoardMatch team. He does a great job in partnering with candidates to help them find the nonprofit board that is the best fit for them, and in working with agencies to connect them with candidates who match their board needs. His enthusiasm for the BoardMatch mission and conscientiousness in approaching his role as coordinator make him a great asset to our BoardMatch team. It also doesn't hurt that he has the world's best sense of humor!"

It is Peter's humor that makes him so approachable and easy to talk to- which is most likely a result of his extensive background in radio broadcasting. Peter started his career as a radio personality and was quite successful in it as well- he was even voted Madison County's favorite radio personality 5 years in a row! This experience has served Peter well as a volunteer, where he now puts his voice to use by volunteering as an announcer at Terra Linda high school's sporting events. "It makes the kids feel good that there is somebody taking the time to announce at their games", Peter recalls.

In addition to volunteer with BoardMatch and at Terra Linda High School, Peter is also a member of our Civic Engagement Leadership Team, and he is on the board of both the Mill Calley Phil Harmonic and LITA (Love Is The Answer). It's quite clear that Peter has had a hugely beneficial impact on Marin County, despite the fact that he has only been here a very short time. Marin thanks you, Peter!