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The Institute for Advanced Catholic Studies at the University of Southern California NEWSLETTER • SPRING 2013 The Institute for Advanced Catholic Studies at the University of Southern California IFACS.com To Guide and Inspire Photos by M. Duncan aureen Shea has a gift for unlocking human potential. Helping others achieve success has fueled her distinguished career in human resources, Mand it’s at the heart of her life’s work as an executive, a community steward—and a mom. As Executive Vice President and CFO of global human resources consulting firm Right Management’s Florida/Caribbean Region, Maureen and her husband, CEO Tom Shea, have positively affected the region’s economy and helped advance the careers of thousands of people. With “Guide and Inspire” as their mission, Maureen and her team help people and organizations adapt to change and move confidently into the future. Maureen’s talent for inspiring and empowering others has propelled each stage of her life. She earned an undergraduate degree in special education from Kean College in New Jersey, and for three years taught youngsters with intellec- tual disabilities. “Experiencing their joy at small but hard-won successes affected me deeply. I loved every moment of it,” Maureen recalls. While on spring break in Fort Lauderdale during that time, she met Tom, a young math teacher who would become her husband. Entering the business world, she soon found a role that drew on both her financial acumen and her ability to recognize and develop talent in others.As Di- rector of Recruiting for Lincoln National Life, she earned the national “Recruiter of the Year” award. She also earned her CLU and Chartered Financial Consultant certifications and received numerous awards in insurance and equity production. By 1979, Maureen and Tom felt ready to launch their own business. Gauging Florida’s economy, they decided there was a statewide need for career guidance, Maureen Shea and in 1979 Tom started Florida’s first outplacement and career counseling firm. Their firm became one of the original units of human resources consulting firm Right Management after they were asked to help with Pan American Airlines’ major downsizing in 1981. Later, Maureen joined her husband at Right Management as CFO and became the Executive Vice President in 1988. The Sheas’ operations stretch from Miami to Jacksonville and throughout the Caribbean Basin. It is an independently owned division of Right Management, the global leader in talent and career manage- ment workforce solutions within ManpowerGroup. Under Maureen’s leadership, the company has exceeded targeted revenue goals year after year. “Our vision is really to guide and inspire our team and all of the folks we touch,” Maureen noted. “The world is entering an age when ‘human capital’ will truly define the best organizations. Helping companies find and grow the talent they need is more crucial than ever.” continued inside… The Institute for Advanced Catholic Studies, located at the University of Southern California, fosters Catholic intellectual and scholarly life. It brings together scholars from across the world in all disciplines who desire to engage in cross-disciplinary, ecumenical, and inter-faith conversation and research that retrieves, critiques, and develops a deeper understanding of the roles of religion and, particularly, Catholicism today. continued from front page the Archbishop’s charity drive for South doing is so vibrant and important.” Through the years, the Sheas’ expert Florida, and she serves on the Business After more than thirty-five years of team has helped more than 40,000 people Advisory Board of St. Thomas Univer- friendship, Maureen views Fr. Heft as cope with change and take the next career sity. Maureen was a board member of one of the brightest guys she’s ever met, step. Both Maureen and Tom appreciate Holy Cross Hospital for many years. Her and the kindest gentleman. “He has an that in thirty-six years of marriage they talents have made a significant difference amazing memory and a magnetic per- have developed both a great relation- for the United Way of Broward County, sonality. He can sit down and carry on a ship and a great business partnership. and the Leadership Broward Foundation, wonderfully engaging conversation with “It’s been a glorious ride, we’ve been and she and Tom received the National a seventeen-year-old—and that’s not easy very blessed. We work as a team and we Conference of Community & Justice to do—and at the same time relate at a respect each other’s strengths. As a coun- Silver Medallion in recognition of their peer level with academics. That’s a true selor to CEOs and a recognized business community stewardship. gift. He’s so genuine about who he is, and and economic leader, Tom is more visible When asked how she manages her so humble.” outside, while I focus mainly on manag- time, Maureen noted that the secret is Passionate about the Institute, ing the operations of the business.” to find—and appreciate—good people. Maureen says she and Tom hope to see In fact, Maureen’s impact on her “The accolades Tom and I receive really incredible growth continue. “So many community and profession extends honor our team’s initiative and support. wonderful people have donated to the I couldn’t do this alone. If you surround yourself with outstanding talent, then a team of two-plus-two can often make six.” The world is entering an Maureen also stresses philanthropy as age when ‘human capital’ a value important to her family and the will truly define the best business, and to their nearly fifty employ- ees as well. “It’s part of our DNA to give organizations. back to those less fortunate. There are so many worthwhile organizations that cause, both financially and intellectually. need support and help—that’s what drives We’re working to widen the circle of sup- us. You have one opportunity to make a port, to help others share the excitement Tom and Maureen Shea with Fr. Heft difference in this world—and it’s a very and enthusiasm in all of the good work well beyond Right’s business opera- short time—so you want to do the best that Fr. Jim is doing.” tions. Guiding and inspiring in the wider that you can with the most that you have.” Fr. Heft believes Maureen to be a world is just her nature. Last year, for In 2005 their son Kyle went to Cali- perfect fit for the Institute, given her example, Maureen was inducted into the fornia to attend Chapman University. A business experience, and her dedication Human Resource Association of Broward year later, Fr. Heft went to California to to advancing the mission and the goals of County’s Hall of Fame, reflecting her establish the Institute as part of the USC the Institute. “Maureen’s energy, focus, decades as a volunteer leader and mentor. community. It so happens that Fr. Heft competence, and persistence are impor- Her Right Management–Florida/Carib- and Tom had been college roommates tant assets for the board,” he said. “At bean team has donated services to human and remained very close friends. As Fr. the same time, her nurturing side touches resources professionals in transition, as- Heft was starting IACS, the Sheas helped everyone she meets. She cares deeply sisting close to 5,000 people since 2009. on the East Coast with networking and about humanity and about the needs of Reflecting her commitment to help- hosting a number of fundraising events. each individual.” ing others achieve their dreams, this They also found more opportunities to be Maureen’s first priority is her fam- winter she was honored with the Florida together as Tom and Maureen made visits ily, and she and Tom have instilled their Diversity Council’s Glass Ceiling Award, to see their son and work with their West “Guide and Inspire” legacy in the next and her company received the Casimiro Coast clients. generation. Eldest son Ryan was a finan- Global Foundation’s Socially Responsible It was a natural evolution, consider- cial analyst before joining Maureen and Company of the Year Award for its work ing Maureen’s background, for Fr. Heft Tom in Right Management a few years in empowering youth to make a positive to ask her to sit on the board and to chair ago, and he has just married Christina, impact on society and the economy. An the audit and finance committee. Mau- his high school sweetheart. Younger son inductee, along with husband Tom, in reen responded that she would love to Kyle is establishing himself in the film the Junior Achievement Business Hall help. “We certainly believe in the future production industry in California. Of her of Fame, she has served in crucial roles of our Catholic faith. The Institute is an family she adds, “It’s wonderful to see for many community and philanthropic excellent and unique vehicle to explore Ryan, Christina and Kyle already making organizations. In addition to serving as opportunities for the youth, scholars, and a difference in their communities. We al- an IACS Board member, she has been our diverse cultures, to reflect the pres- ways felt that ‘living it’ would be the best a long-time leader in many Catholic ence of Catholicism and Christianity in a example, and they’re giving back through organizations. She and Tom have chaired very secular world. What the Institute is their own unique talents.” From the President Dear Friends, Though I have said since Pope members, Maureen Shea. And I have included an after Benedict was elected that I would dinner speech given to our board last November by Peter not be surprised if he at some point Mullin.
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