This week, Bob Fasl, Business Manager, shares his reflections since recently joining the Academy community.
When asked what one aspect stands out to me after my first two months at the Academy, my answer is easy… the warmth of everyone! After my first day, I went home and told my wife, Rosemary, (Class of ’72 and daughter of Lucy Artman who ran the ASH cafeteria from 1961-1997) that Primary students had filed past me and each one greeted me (a complete stranger) with a very hardy “GOOD MORNING!” I was touched by their kindness and attention. I knew right there and then I had made the best decision — accepting Mr. Horner’s offer of employment! As nearly two months have passed, I sincerely appreciate the students who greet me along with their teachers. Overall, the warmth of everyone at ASH has certainly melted away an icy veneer acquired from more than three decades in the corporate world!
Since I began as Business Manager, it has been an exhilarating and refreshing first two months of employment. The hours have been long as I attempt to flatten my learning curve, but each day flies by with numerous new experiences. Silver Teas, the Christmas Basket Mass, setting up and taking down for events in Raugh Memorial Gymnasium, and learning the Blackbaud Accounting Software are now my “ASH life” – far from my days at AT&T of property tax returns, monthly account balance reconciliations of property tax payable for 18 subsidiaries, and being the Compliance Director of Worldwide Tax Department Business Continuity Operations. I have not once “looked in the rear-view mirror” as I arrive each morning at ASH looking forward to the new day and the challenges ahead!
I sensed a calling to serve at the Academy. It’s an opportunity to give back after all these years of working in the corporate world and I am very grateful to work in such a special place. Rosemary and I will be attending our first ASH Trivia Night and look forward to meeting many parents and supporters of our school!
