Chris Veiga: 'There should be an MBGA in every major metro area'
Name: Chris Veiga
Connection to MBGA: VP, Operations
Q: What led you to volunteer with MBGA?
A: I heard about MBGA through Jamie Simpson, another volunteer. After checking out MBGA’s LinkedIn profile and Web site, I was immediately excited to get involved. As a Project Management professional, I recognized that I could provide value to the organization with processes and operations.
Q: What other types of volunteer work have you done?
A: Most of my volunteer experience has been very hands-on – like working in a meal center. I try to do that kind of work at least a couple of times per year, but this is the first time I have had the opportunity to use my professional experience and skills to volunteer.
Q: How have you used your professional experience as a volunteer?
A: I started working with MBGA about two years after it was established. It has grown quickly and made a lot of impact, but it was lacking some of the infrastructure it would need to continue growing. That’s where I stepped in, putting in place documentation, systems and processes.
Q: What have you taken away from your volunteer experience with MBGA?
A: I am so excited for MBGA’s Growth. I see great potential for it taking on more clients, and for pulling in more business champions who are motivated to help clients drive toward a goal. I think there should be an MBGA in every major metro area. I’d love to see chapters in Chicago, Madison and Omaha next.
Q: Can you share any surprising or unexpected discoveries you’ve made in the course of volunteering?
A: I’ve had the chance to interview nearly all of the clients MBGA serves, and the thing that has really stood out to me has been the value they get from having access to wider networks through our business champions. The trust that is established between the client and the business champion has also made a big difference maker.
Q. What is a day in the life of a MBGA volunteer like?
A: Most of my work is done via email with the other leadership team members. I try to devote one morning a week (Saturday for me) to focus on MBGA.
Q: What is life like for you outside of work and volunteering?
A: My fiance - a Veterinary Medicine student - and I have three cats and a dog. I’m originally from Florida and moved to Minnesota right before the pandemic and George Floyd’s murder, so it was a strange time to get settled in, but I now love the Minneapolis area. I think of it like a winterized Orlando!
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