Generation Dayton Featured Professional

Name:: Taryn Ward
Title:: Associate Development Director
Organization:: United Rehabilitation Services (www.ursdayton.org)
Community Involvement (groups, clubs, boards, etc.):: - Generation Dayton Community Service Committee
- Board of Directors, Home Owner’s Association: Reserves of Beavercreek
- Member of Civitan Club of Dayton
- We Care Committee, URS
Hobbies and Interests:: Cooking, dancing, reading, running and outdoor activities such as volleyball, tennis, skiing and rollerblading. I also enjoy traveling, learning about different cultures and learning/speaking foreign languages.
Favorite Area Eatery:: House of Thai in Beavercreek - Thai, Indian and sushi are amongst my favorites!
Favorite Weekend Activity:: I enjoy outdoor activities with my friends and husband and playing with Beaumont, my Toy Poodle.
What do you love about Dayton?: It’s large enough that there is always something going on but small enough to where it seems that everybody knows one another.
How has Generation Dayton aided your professional, personal and/or social development?: Since becoming involved with Generation Dayton, I’ve gotten to know many great people in the community. GenD has helped me become better acquainted with what Dayton has to offer and I have been able to network and build long-lasting friendships with many GenD members. Generation Dayton has also helped me to spread the word about United Rehabilitation Services and get people involved through volunteering, events and fundraising.
Tell us a little more about your profession and company...: United Rehabilitation Services is a local non-profit that has provided comprehensive programs and services to meet the needs of infants, children and adults with disabilities or special needs in the Greater Dayton area for over 50 years. Our goal is to help our clients with disabilities to become more independent and enhance their quality of life. I serve as the Associate Development Director at URS, meaning I am responsible for fundraising, special events and marketing.
What do you enjoy about your career/profession? Employer?: I really enjoy working with many great individuals and companies in the Dayton Area. Also, with over ten fundraising events to plan annually, there is never a dull moment! I enjoy the challenges that come with the job, staying busy and having a lot of variety. There really isn’t such a thing as a “typical day” for me. I mean, let’s face it, not many people can say they’ve dumped 15,000 rubber ducks into a river and have gotten away with it!

But on a serious note, the best part of my job is that I am raising funds and awareness for local children and adults with disabilities. I get to interact with our clients on a daily basis and that’s very rewarding. No matter how stressful your day gets, or how many appointments you have penciled in your calendar, the clients make it very worthwhile.
Favorite quote or inspiratonal saying:: "I never lose sight of the fact that just being is fun.”" -Katharine Hepburn; Click here to view past featured professionals.