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 August article, we’re featuring Trina Meeth, CQL Chief Financial and Administrative Officer.
Mary Kay Rizzolo, CQL President and CEO, nominated Trina to be featured, “There’s a lot that goes on behind-the-scenes to make CQL run smoothly and seamlessly. And a lot of this is done quietly by Trina Meeth,” Mary Kay continued, “To put this in CQL terms, Trina is absolutely fantastic at making sure our systems are in place AND in practice! Because she is so humble and prefers to work in the background, I thought this would be a great opportunity for our partners to get to know her better, including her love of sugar, shopping, sweet wines, and sharp humor!”
We’ve asked Trina a series of questions about her history, background, experiences with CQL, as well as some questions to get to know her better!
What is your position at CQL and what does that role encompass?
Chief Financial and Administrative Officer. That’s a long way of saying all things Operations! 😊 It’s my job to keep the wheels on the bus so everyone else can do the truly important work with our partners.
Why did you decide to get involved in the human services field?
I was lucky enough to be connected with CQL through a former boss. He told me it would be the best experience I could ask for and he was right! Coming from the private sector, it was a big change but totally worth it.
What is your professional history, background, and experience?
I have been in accounting/finance roles for my whole career. I worked as a bank teller in college. Once I graduated, I moved to the back office side and eventually progressed into broader roles in various professional services organizations in the private sector. I was drawn to accounting and finance because there is always an answer. Maybe not easy to find, but it’s there!
What are skills you have that help you in your work?
- Critical Thinking
- Multi-Tasking
- Perspective
Is there anything you would like to share about yourself personally?
I am lucky enough to share our blended family with my wonderful husband and our 4 kids. We now realize how hard it is to get them all in one photo with them settled all over the country. Our family mascot is our mini-goldendoodle that thinks he is the mayor of any neighborhood he visits. I am happiest near water where there are palm trees or pine trees! Our family enjoys sports of all kinds and I am always happy to be a spectator for whatever they choose to attend or participate in.
CQL Lightning Round!
Name one thing on your bucket list.
Traveling overseas 🗺️
Sweet or savory?
Sweet – I can’t think of a favorite but any type of dessert will do the trick!
Describe one trick you use to stay productive.
Make daily lists to realign priorities while drinking lots of coffee ☕️
Would you rather be the funniest or smartest person in the room? Why?
Funniest – laughter is medicine and I love to laugh!
What was your first job?
Feeding the animals at our local Aquarium/Terrarium. I hated it!!!
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
An attorney – I liked to argue 😈
What three words would your family/friends use to describe you?
Logical, Thoughtful, Funny
If you could only eat one food for a full week, what would it be?
Definitely pizza 🍕
How many US states/territories have you been to?
35 I think – Alaska was definitely the most memorable by far!
What is your least favorite household chore?
Vacuuming
You are suddenly turned into a fruit or vegetable, what did you turn into? Why?
Potato 🥔 – I enjoy watching TV
What is the most embarrassing fashion trend you used to rock? Describe your best outfit.
The 80s bangs with lots of Aqua Net hairspray!
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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.
Trina Meeth: August Monthly Staff Spotlight