Revised:  07/11/2009

NYSADVS PRESIDENT’S AWARD for PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE

2009 Recipient

Bonnie Klima-Olsen - 3rd Annual President’s Award Winner

For over 40 years, Bonnie has dedicated her career to the profession of Volunteer Administration. Bonnie has consistently played an active role in both the Greater New York Chapter and on the State level, often holding positions more than once. She has also served on several committees for ASDVS (now AHVRP).

As the Administrator for Voluntary Initiatives at Lutheran Medical Center, Bonnie has developed many grant-funded programs to support the efforts of services provided to patients, family, and visitors. Her commitment to education is evident in the development of several programs that engage volunteers to provide health education, such as the “I’m In Charge” program for elementary school children and the “Literacy Assistance and Medication Project”, which educates the culturally diverse Brooklyn community about medication management, communication, and safety.

Over the years, Bonnie has always been willing and eager to provide support, guidance, and leadership to both new and veteran DVS’s. She never hesitates to share information with her colleagues, and encourages professional growth and participation. She has presented many of her programs at both local and national conferences.

On the chapter level, between 1972 and 2008, Bonnie has held five elected offices, chaired or co-chaired four committees, and served on two others. On the state level, between 1986 and 2009, she has held two elected offices, chaired or co-chaired four committees, and served on two others. On the national level, between 1987 and 1989, Bonnie chaired one committee, served on three others, and, in 2002, served as a “DVS On Call”.

In addition, between 1985 and 2002, Bonnie made eleven presentations at national, state, and local conferences and/or workshops. She also co-authored a paper entitled “Volunteer Programs for Helping Hospitalized Patients with AIDS in a Community Hospital”, which was submitted to a scientific journal.