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Resource Center | News
Attitudes & Attire Presents Karen Farris with 2009 Kim Dawson Attitude Award Release Date: 2/5/2009DALLAS, Texas – The Dallas nonprofit organization Attitudes and Attire has named its 2009 Kim Dawson Attitude Award Honoree, Karen K. Farris, President and CEO of Roach Howard Smith & Barton. Since its founding in 1996, Attitudes and Attire, whose mission is to promote personal growth for women seeking self-sufficiency, has enhanced the lives of more than 11,000 women by helping them rise above adversity. The Kim Dawson Attitude Award was created to honor those individuals whose personalities and accomplishments exemplify the full potential of each individual. This award was named in honor of Kim Dawson, who in 1959 founded the Kim Dawson Agency, Dallas’ first modeling agency. Recipients of the Kim Dawson Attitude Award are chosen based on two criteria: who they are and how they empower others. “The first time that I met Karen, I saw a dynamic, warm, caring woman. I have come to know her as a wonderful role model for all women, particularly the women who work with her. We are thrilled to have Karen as our 2009 Kim Dawson Attitude Award recipient,” said Lyn Berman, Attitudes and Attire Executive Director. The award was presented on February 4, 2009 by Lyn Berman and Honorary Chair and KDFW FOX4 Anchor Clarice Tinsley at the 12th Annual Kim Dawson Attitude Award Luncheon and Fashion Show in the Pavilion of The World Trade Center in Dallas before approximately 750 attendees. “I am honored to have been part of such an important event. I greatly admire both Lyn Berman and Kim Dawson. In my company we often talk about hiring for attitude and training for expertise so it is easy for me to understand the value proposition of what Lyn and her staff bring to the table. Being the recipient of this award makes me more aware of the need that exists within our community and I look forward to being a greater part of the solution,” said Ms. Farris. Karen Farris rose through the ranks of the insurance industry first in marketing in Aetna’s home office in Connecticut and then was transferred to Dallas in 1974. In her capacity as marketing supervisor, she met Richard Roach and in 1982, joined Roach Howard Smith & Barton, one of the largest independently owned insurance brokerage firms in the Southwest. Today the firm has over 7000 clients and has tripled in size under her leadership. Roach Howard Smith & Barton is somewhat unique in terms of female leadership. “One third of our current shareholders are women and that is most unusual for our industry. Additionally, we have a group of younger women in their 30s who will be future shareholders of the firm…that is exciting,” said Farris. Her mentor in life and her career without a doubt has been her company’s co-founder Richard Roach. Farris said, “Richard saw in me what I never saw in myself.” He always pushed me beyond my comfort zone and has been a continued source of support and encouragement.” Ms. Farris, in turn has mentored many associates within her firm and hopes to do the same with the graduates of Attitudes and Attire. “I look forward to becoming more involved with Attitudes and Attire because I believe in the mission not only as a female but also as a business owner,” said Farris. The theme of this year’s luncheon, “Recipes for Success,” is consistent with Farris’ belief that women should establish goals but always be open to other opportunities that come along unexpectedly, sometimes taking them in an entirely different direction. “My whole life is about opportunities that have come along while I was pursuing a different goal,” said Farris. “When I was in college, I thought I wanted to be a teacher and along came opportunities in the business world. When I moved to Dallas 35 years ago, it was only supposed to be temporary. When I joined RHSB, I never envisioned a career in sales and certainly never thought I would become CEO. I feel that I have had a spiritual hand on my shoulder which guided my path and often pointed me in those different directions.” Future plans for RHSB include an aggressive growth agenda for the firm but also more involvement in community and civic projects. “I have benefited from a vibrant Dallas business community and I want to play a role in carrying forward that legacy. I believe that for Dallas, the best is yet to come.” < Back to News |
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