Dottie Garrity is presently the Executive Vice President of Administrative Services at The Buckeye Ranch overseeing critical operational and administrative departments including Human Resources; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI); Marketing and Communications; Grants; and Development. Since joining The Buckeye Ranch, Dottie has led the planning and execution of numerous fundraising and community-oriented initiatives and events within the organization. In early 2023, she hired a director to lead the organization’s very first department of DEI. This decision marked a significant milestone, as it enabled Dottie and her team to establish a comprehensive calendar of programs and training for team members. This development not only strengthened internal DEI practices but also provided enhanced oversight, ensuring that DEI principles are woven into the fabric of the organization’s operations.
Dottie’s career in administrative services began in the for-profit world. Once she transitioned into the non-profit social services sector, she quickly discovered her niche and passion–helping organizations ensure their strategic goals are implemented on time and on budget. As Director of Strategic Integration at Samaritas (formerly Lutheran Social Services of Michigan) she successfully facilitated the implementation of the operational strategic plan at this $100 million organization. This in turn provided a comprehensive perspective to cross-functional teams which included 1,000 plus employees and hundreds of volunteers.
In 2017, Dottie joined Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) and served as its Chief of Staff and Strategic Focus. As a member of the executive team, she was responsible for strategic planning and alignment, leadership development, performance management, leading LSSI’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, and managing other large, cross-functional and organization-wide initiatives ultimately serving every 1 out of 297 people in Illinois at this $100 million non-profit.
Dottie obtained a bachelor’s degree in international studies from Muskingum University. Dottie enjoys an active life within her family. She has two grown children, Sarah and John, and a new Havanese puppy Coconut who keeps things interesting. She actively supports the social services community at every opportunity.