THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, February 26, 1995 TAG: 9502240223
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close-Up
SOURCE: BY PHYLLIS SPEIDELL, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 73 lines
When she was named director of personnel for the city of Suffolk in January, Marie A. Dodson felt like she was coming home again.
She had previously worked in the same position in Clovis, N.M., a city across the country from Suffolk, but much like Suffolk in feeling, population and diversity.
Dodson places a high value on diversity, one of her own assets. Anyone married to a military person is likely to develop a diverse background, she claims. She is married to her high school sweetheart, now retired from the Air Force.
She has worked in a variety of jobs from teaching elementary school to directing municipal human resources departments.
A Norfolk native, Dodson lived in California, New Mexico, Germany and Saudi Arabia before returning to Hampton Roads four years ago.
So far, there have been few surprises in her task of overseeing the training, well-being and quality of life on the job for 600 city employees.
``We are still in the honeymoon phase,'' she said.
Dodson does have some general goals in mind.
``Employees need to feel good about what is going on with the city so that feeling will carry over into their job,'' she said. ``The happier they are, the better job they are going to do, and the better service they will give to the public.''
Name: Marie Alderman Dodson.
Nickname: Ree.
What brought you to Suffolk: position as director of personnel.
Birthdate: Sept. 2.
Occupation: director of personnel for the city of Suffolk.
Marital status: married.
Children: Two adult sons, one daughter-in-law, and a grandchild on the way.
Favorite movies: ``Forrest Gump,'' ``Casablanca,'' ``Lawrence of Arabia,'' ``Purlie Victorious,'' ``Pretty Woman,'' ``Land Before Time.''
Favorite magazine: I like news magazines: ``Time'' and ``U.S. News and World Report,'' as well as easy reading like ``Reader's Digest'' and ``Jet.''
Book I wish everyone would read: For children, ``Charlotte's Web''; adults, ``Roots.'' They both show what can be accomplished despite adversity and a less than ideal beginning when one has a strong support group.
Favorite night out on the town: Dinner and a movie.
Favorite food and drink: Almost any type of seafood, especially shellfish.
Favorite bar or restaurant: We eat out a lot and have enjoyed the food at too many places to name names.
Few people know that I: Got over my fear of water and learned to swim (though not well) at 40-plus.
Pets: none
Ideal vacation: Chance to lounge and read mystery novels or biographies.
First thing in the morning: I like some quiet time and coffee.
First job: First real job was as a classroom teacher in Wheatland, Calif.
What achievements are you most proud of: Development of first centralized personnel department in Clovis, N.M.
Hobbies: Reading and, when time permits, I like to sew and do needlepoint or counted cross-stitch.
Pet Peeve: 1) Intolerance 2) Drivers who do crazy things endangering the safety of others. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
Marie Dodson had previously worked in the same position in Clovis,
N.M., a city much like Suffolk in feeling, population and
diversity.
by CNB