Beth Gitlin

MEMBERSHIP SPOTLIGHT

BETH GITLIN

One of our three extraordinary new Rotarians, Beth was born, raised, and attended college in Pennsylvania. Her BA was in Japanese studies at Dickinson College, with three years of Chinese languages tucked in.

After graduation, Beth became Lieutenant Gitlin in the Army Signal Corps. While in the Army, she entered grad school at the Chaminade University of Honolulu, earning a master of business administration, followed by a master of arts in Asian studies at the University of Hawaii. Within this period, she spent a year in Japan completing her graduate degree.

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., started her on a new path as, first, a buyer for women’s apparel at corporate headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas; next, import manager of the direct import department; then senior buyer of seasonal merchandise. As her positions grew, so did her responsibilities and achievements. By the time she left this business giant, she was traveling frequently between China, India, Europe, and Arkansas, significantly increasing corporate profits, and directing all aspects of marketing, planning, and training.

Next stop was Norfolk, Virginia, and General Foam Plastics, Inc., for the period 2001-2007. As vice president for imports and product development, Beth was responsible for developing and managing from inception a $200,000,000 department. Merchandise included Christmas décor, pools and inflatables, and water gardening items. Among other feats, she increased import sales by 380 percent.

Two years ago, Beth started Global Passages LLC (limited liability corporation) in Melbourne. This remarkably talented woman brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to strategic business consulting in all aspects of international import-export issues. Her new company and Rotary can only benefit from her varied background.

Beth belongs to many professional and business organizations, and is a featured book club leader monthly at the East Coast Coffee and Tea Company, where our artists have been featured. On November 4th, Beth will lead the group in a discussion of what it takes to be a successful leader in our business careers and personal lives.

All the while, this “T-shirt and shorts kinda girl,” was drawn to the beach where she bicycles, plays beach volleyball, and enjoys the warm weather.” At six feet, this tall drink of champagne now lives in Indian Harbour Beach, and is engaged to be married. [Oct 2009 BH]