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President Betsy Peterson - Transending Women
- Article in the Lodi News-Sentinel
The Lodi chapter of Soroptimist
International strives to help women become the best they can be
By Pam Bauserman
News-Sentinel Staff Writer
Betsy Peterson of Lodi has been working
as the assistant to the chief of police for 18 years. During that
time, she has been through three chiefs and has seen the department
go through the process of going computerized. The lifelong Lodi
resident loves staying busy and enjoys helping the community. For
this reason, she has been a member of the Soroptimist Club for 16
years. Peterson was recently installed as president of the Soroptimist
International of Lodi.
Q: How did you get involved with
the Soroptimist Club?
A: The assistant to the city manager, Janet Keeter, was a member.
She asked me if I was interested in joining. I was and I've really
enjoyed it. I have been a member for 16 years and I've met a lot
of nice people.
Q: What have you personally accomplished
while being in the club?
A: I think it's getting a sense of the involvement with the community
and seeing it from a different dimension. Some members used to be
teachers and it's interesting seeing them in a different light.
Q: What are some of the changes you
have gone through with each new chief?
A: Each chief has their own particular way they like to have things
done and what needs to be accomplished, so you adjust to support
their goals.
Q: What do you do as assistant to
the chief?
A: I do the budget, grants and crime statistics. I handle purchasing,
the most wanted, workers' compensation and other special activities.
Q: What do you enjoy about the job?
A: I like the diversity of the profession. I always get to work
on something different. There is never a dull moment - always lots
of things going on.
Q: What is the most exciting thing
that has happened here?
A: Probably some of the different cases that have occurred. They
are interesting.
Q: What did you do prior to this
job?
A: I worked for SMUD for eight years. I did office work. I was the
administrative assistant for the CEO.
Q: What goals do you hope to accomplish
as Soroptimist president?
A: I hope to keep us on a sound fiscal track, to develop a new long-term
project and to partner with another organization in town.
Q: What do you enjoy most about this
club?
A: The feeling of helping the community, and that the money raised
stays here in town. The fund-raisers go to help the community 100
percent.
Q: What do you never tire of?
A: I never tire of being busy. I like to have things to do and meeting
people and having friends.
Q: Describe yourself in three words.
A: I'm friendly, a hard worker and I follow through with things.
Q: What are your future goals professionally?
A: I plan on staying with the police department until I retire.
Q: What do you like to do in your
spare time?
A: I love to work with my dogs. I have three mini schnauzers. In
October, I will be starting to show one of them.
Q: Which celebrity would you most
like to meet?
A: I would have loved to have met Mother Teresa. She did so much
for people.
Peterson at a glance.
Age: 53.
Family: Has one son, Aaron.
Education: Bachelor's degree in pyschology from Sacramento State
University.
Enjoys: Antique shopping and decorating.
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