Spotlight on Volunteers by Terri L. Okazaki, C.P.M. Board Director and Secretary
January's Interview Charles "Chuck" Ayres, C.P.M

There is a saying that goes, “you never get a second chance to make a first impression.” This month’s “Spotlight on Volunteers” features Charles “Chuck” Ayres, C.P.M. the affiliate’s Executive Secretary and the person who generally makes that first impression on behalf of NAPM-Orange County. “Chuck” as most of us know him, is the voice at the end of the telephone when you call the office for information. He diligently mans the local office and handles NAPM-Orange County’s business affairs.

Chuck’s purchasing career began at Moore Business Forms, Inc. when he was promoted from a production planner to buyer. He began taking classes at Fullerton College, completed his certificate and joined the Purchasing Management Association of Orange County (PMAOC), now known as the National Association of Purchasing Management, Orange County (NAPM-OC) in 1967. After a little over six years at Moore, he left and became an aerospacetype at Hughes Aircraft Company, Ground Systems Group in Fullerton in the Central Materiel department working in the Graphic Arts Purchasing section, buying forms. He then became a Capital Equipment buyer and had some memorable buys: a thermal testing chamber, two cranes (overhead and truck), a fire engine, and an ambulance. Next he headed up a small section called Computer and Data Processing Purchasing. He took advantage of Hughes kind golden handshake offer and retired in November 1989. Reflecting back he says his greatest responsibility at Hughes was being section head of the Graphic Arts Purchasing section.

After joining the affiliate in 1967, Chuck volunteered and served in many capacities. Those included Badge & Acquaintance Chair, Program Chair, Certification Chair, Pro-D committee member, June Forum Chair, Board Director, Secretary, Director for National Affairs, and President (1976). Back in those days, the Badge & Acquaintance Chair was responsible for greeting each member, and handing out and collecting name badges at the monthly meetings. In 1990 he came out of retirement and began working for the NAPM-Orange County as Executive Secretary.

When I asked Chuck about his mentors, several people came to mind. Those he is quite fond of include Sara and Richard Arhlen, Bob Simensen and Jack Hummel. Chuck recalled all of the time and patience Richard Arhlen extended to him with various computer issues a few years ago. He remembers Bob Simensen for his humor, and Jack Hummel for his leadership as immediate past-President during Chuck’s term. And Sara, well she seems to be everyone’s mentor.

On the personal side, Chuck resides in Yorba Linda with his wife Karen, and their black lab, Lucy. Chuck tells me he met Karen at church and took her to a UCLA volleyball match for their first date, and later married her on December 27, 1981. The rest of the family includes his stepson, Jim who works for the San Francisco Giants as Media Relations Manager, Jim’s wife Denise, and grandsons, Michael and Matthew. Obviously, Chuck and Karen are big San Francisco Giants fans. Although it seems like he spends numerous hours at the NAPM-OC office, Chuck devotes much of his time doing things at the Rose Drive Friends Church in Yorba Linda. He and Karen are part of a two couple group heading the Shepherds Sunday School Class for 60 plus-ers. He is also involved with making contact with all first time visitors to the church, publishing materials for staff and Sunday School class, ushering every other month, and being a part of a prayer group on Tuesday mornings.

On a second and final note, I want to share an interesting tidbit about him that I recently learned as a result of the interview prior to writing this article. The semester between high school and junior college Chuck attended the American Barber College in Pasadena and got his Apprentice license. He has had a Registered Barber’s license since about 1957, and refers to it as a kind of job insurance. Haircut anyone?

In closing I can’t help but think back to ten years ago when I attended my first dinner meeting as a new member. Chuck was the first person I met. Let me just say, “Chuck, no second chance required, you made a lasting first impression on me.”