CQL is thrilled to continue our Monthly Staff Spotlight series! This is a chance for us to highlight our staff members and for you to learn about our team. For our November article, we’re featuring Seth Petre, CQL Director of Marketing.
Mary Kay Rizzolo, CQL President & CEO, was excited to learn Seth was being highlighted this month and reflected on Seth’s contributions to CQL, noting, “Seth is such an absolute joy to work with. He is well known for his attention to detail and his professionalism!” She went on to say, “But a lot of people may not be aware of all he does behind the scenes to make CQL shine. And that is because he is a very humble person too. But every single person at CQL will tell you – he makes CQL a much better place – and makes us laugh along the way.” She ended with, “From his branding and marketing initiatives, to his efforts to strengthen partner relationships, to strategic operational decisions, he has helped CQL to grow and be a positive environment for all. It is a privilege to have him on the CQL team!”
We’ve asked Seth a series of questions about his history, background, experiences with CQL, as well as some questions to get to know him better.
What is your position at CQL and what does that role encompass?
I’m the Director of Marketing and I’ve been with CQL for more than 11 years. In my role, I develop marketing strategy to help CQL in enhancing engagement with current and prospective partners, fostering connections across the field, communicating best practices with stakeholders, positioning our organization as a thought leader, and more. I have the honor of working alongside some amazing colleagues – I absolutely love CQL!
Tell us a bit about your professional background. What lead you to the human services field?
I’ve served in a variety of communications and marketing roles in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors. I started out in the Creative Services Department for a television station in Milwaukee, WI. In that position, I was able to help in developing some fundraising campaigns for local non-profits, which sparked my interest in non-profit work.
After a friend told me about an open position in a marketing department at a national provider organization, I applied and got the job. While working there, the organization was going through CQL Accreditation. I was lucky enough to observe and participate in a lot of the CQL Accreditation activities. When a marketing position became available at CQL, I was absolutely thrilled and jumped at the opportunity.
What are skills you have that help you in your work?
- Hardworking
- Efficient
- Collaborative
Is there anything you would like to share about yourself personally?
I live in Glendale, WI, just north of Milwaukee. My wife and I have 3 kids – Charlie (8), Olive (6), and Henry (2). We spend a lot of time out and about in the area, going to community events, farmer’s markets, parks, playgrounds, etc. In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with family, grilling, griddling, reading books, and watching TV and movies.
CQL Lightning Round!
You’re stranded alone on a desert island and have 3 books to keep you company. Which books are you reading until you’re rescued?
Easy. Just one … “How to Survive on a Deserted Island” by Tim O’Shei
If you could choose one superpower, what would it be? What is the first thing you would do with your new power?
Probably to fly. Then I’d just fly off of that desert island. 🪽
Sweet or savory? What is your favorite sweet/savory food?
Definitely savory. I can’t list just one, so maybe tacos, pizza, or burgers.
Describe one trick you use to stay productive.
I use Microsoft To-Do religiously. It’s extremely helpful for project/task management.
What is the first concert that you ever attended?
My first concert was seeing the band, The Gufs. I believe their most popular song would have been “Smile.”
Name the TV show you could have on repeat 24/7, 365 days a year.
The Office, of course.
If you had to teach a class on one subject, what would it be and why?
The class would be called “Time Travel Paradoxes: Breaking Down Back To The Future” … I was/am a BTTF nerd and Marty McFly fan.
What is one thing about you that most people wouldn’t be able to guess?
At one point, I had 5 ear piercings. 🤘🏻
What was your first job?
When I was around 12 or 13 years old, I had a full-time summer gig of various odd jobs in the fulfillment warehouse for Reiman Publications.
Do (or did) you play any instruments? If so, which ones?
I stopped my musical journey after attempting to play the recorder in elementary school. I was that bad.
If you could only eat one food for a full week, what would it be?
Tacos
What fictional world would you want to live in? Why?
I’d like to live a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. Star Wars without question. Come on, spaceships, lightsabers, Yoda. It couldn’t be any better than that. ⚔️
What is your least favorite household chore?
Cleaning
What is the most embarrassing fashion trend you used to rock? Describe your best outfit.
JNCO Jeans. Like, massive pants and seriously awful.
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About CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership
Since 1969, CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership has been a leader in working with human service organizations and systems to continuously define, measure, and improve quality of life and quality of services for youth, adults, and older adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and psychiatric disabilities. CQL offers accreditation, training, certification, research, and consultation services to agencies that share our vision of dignity, opportunity, and community for all people.
Seth Petre: November Monthly Staff Spotlight