Advancing the Leadership Mindset 
Finding Success in the Success of Others  

This is another in a series of member profiles based on discovery interview questions that were designed to get an up close view of the traits and strengths of some of the members who provide leadership to this organization. 

Membership Spotlight: Tara Burchett-Maxwell 
Trusting, Graceful, Mission-Driven Mom 
 

Tell me about yourself.  Give me three facts that include information about your family, your career and your pastimes. 

I am a mother of 3; Elle, Ana, and Harper. My husband is Tedd (8 years). I have 2 brothers (I am a middle child). My mom is a retired pastor and my dad is still preaching. I have been in banking for 20 years but I am about to switch careers. My pastimes are spending time with my family, rescuing dogs, and supporting charities.  

How long have you belonged to Rotary?  What’s the best thing about membership? 

I have been in Rotary for just over a year. I love getting to connect with other people who have similar values to myself and involving myself in the community to better myself by being with something that is bigger than me. Teresa Russell stopped by our bank during a Rotary Poinsettia sale and she influenced me to join. 

 
As you look back on your life and your career, where and when did you have the biggest impact on others?  Who was impacted and how? 

My impact is yet to come. I am halfway through my career and I know I will make a bigger impact as I grow.  
 
As you look back, which of the opportunities you’ve had has been the most fulfilling to you personally?  Why? 

I currently don’t get to take advantage of as many opportunities as I would like. Most of my time is working and doing whatever extracurricular activities the kids are in. Rotary has been my way of giving back in-between life. I hope that as COVID restrictions lift, I can spread my wings.  
 
Describe the most challenging project you’ve ever worked on.  What was your role?  What was the result? What did you learn? 

I was technically not a part of the initial project but happened to fall into it. LCNB acquired Columbus First Bank where I worked. As co-workers shifted around and/or left, I stayed and helped merge a commercial bank into a retail bank. My role kept changing, I ended up as the Assistant Branch Manager, and I was one of the only faces the customers knew. .My dedication, determination, and knowledge eased the customer’s minds. They trusted me enough to stay through the bumps. I learned that things can look great and work on paper but there will always be issues and things that are beyond our personal control. If you put yourself out there and listen, evolve and change, you can end up being a part of something special that you may have never intended to do. You should always give yourself trust and grace.  

What are some things you are passionate about?  What really excites you? What gets your adrenalin flowing?  What makes your heart sing? 
 
If you asked anyone of my friends or family this question, the answer would be my family, food, and dogs. 
 
What are you especially skilled at?  What is something that others often tell you that they think makes you stand out? 

I love designing and developing procedures and protocols.  People often tell me that I have always been a passionate advocate for the “underdog”.   

When you have a moment to sit back and think (dream) about your future, what do you think about?  What things would you like to do in your life that you haven’t gotten around to yet?  Is there something else you would like to accomplish? 

When I dream about my future, I think about seeing my kids grow up and flourish in the world. I am fulfilled in my life but I would like to retire early to volunteer my time in local businesses. I would like to accomplish helping my kiddos follow their dreams. My oldest is working on completing her Girl Scout Gold Award project and being a part of it is going to help change the world.  

If you could choose anyone (alive or deceased) to have lunch with, who would it be? Why? 

I would love to have lunch with Jack Hanna. I would ask how he became an advocate for animals and what it took to create a zoo and make sure that all creatures are safe. I admire his dedication to his passion and his dreams.