Spotlight on Volunteers by Terri L. Okazaki, C.P.M. Board Director and Secretary
This Month's Interview Sara J. Arhlen, C.P.M

“Do little things with great love” – Therese of Lisieux

We all have our own heroes, people we admire and respect, people who impact our lives and make the world a better place. Recently one of those people celebrated her 80th birthday and this month’s “Spotlight on Volunteers” features her. She is none other than NAPM-Orange County’s “first lady”, Sara J. Arhlen, C.P.M.

Sara began her purchasing career as a Purchasing Agent for the Fontana Unified School District, serving in that capacity for six years. In 1966 she moved to Orange County and continued her purchasing career with the Community College District of North Orange County, now known as the North Orange County Community College District. In 1967 she joined the Purchasing Management Association of Orange County (PMA-O.C.), now known as the National Association of Purchasing Management, Orange County (NAPM-O.C.). She was first elected to the Board of Directors in 1969, then re-elected in 1972. In 1972-73 she was elected to serve as President; the first woman to serve in that capacity in Orange County and District I.

Through the years Sara has served on various committees, but her first love was the Professional Development Committee, now the Educational Resources Committee. She says it was an exciting time because it was the beginning of the technology era, and while she was on the National Committee she was privileged to be part of the group that promoted cassette and video presentations of programs. Currently she serves as chairperson for the Administrative Support Committee, ensuring policies and procedures, and by-laws are updated and adhered to by the Board.

Her most memorable years in NAPM-O.C. were the nine years she served as Executive Secretary, because it was a joy to be part of the growing process. The first office was in the California Federal Building in Anaheim, and then later it was moved to Batavia Street in Orange. During those years served, she met and worked with a group of professionals dedicated to making NAPM-O.C. number one in District I. Those people still remain special friends today.

In 1993 Sara was the recipient of the President’s Award at the National Conference in San Antonio, Texas. Receiving the award was her most rewarding experience as a volunteer, because of the thousands of members, the President found her worthy of the special honor. In addition, Sara says her rewards for volunteering come from meeting the members she worked with who have advanced in their careers, and have told her she has made a difference in their lives because of her support in telling them they could do whatever they endeavored.

Of her many interesting experiences in Purchasing, the one that stands out is the purchase requisition for a cadaver. At the time, Cypress College was the only community college east of the Mississippi that taught a Mortuary Science Course so naturally cadavers were required to study and work with. She had to call several medical examiners offices to see if they would accommodate her request and eventually found one.

Sara has had many mentors along her journey. Jim Colman, her boss during her years in Fontana helped her organize the chaotic Purchasing Office. Jim had come from a large school district and had a lot of experience, which he shared. Richard Shaffer, Executive Secretary was responsible for training her well during the short period they worked together. Tom Keever, who served as President during her term as Vice President was certainly instrumental in convincing the Board that she should be the next President of NAPM-O.C. upon completion of his term. Tom convinced those that actually believed that a woman could not lead that she could. More recently, Elaine Whittington has been a mentor in areas that were totally unfamiliar to her, especially during her year as National President.

The Sara J. Arhlen Award, established in 1991 recognizes outstanding contributions from committee chairpersons. When asked to comment on the award, Sara said, “I am so pleased that finally someone named Joe Forman had the insight to recognize that committee chairs are the fabric to any organization. They work hard to do a job that needs to be done, but sometimes get little recognition. Now they do and I am thrilled that it bears my name.”

Although Sara spends numerous hours volunteering for NAPM-O.C., she does take time out during baseball season to follow the Anaheim Angels and Troy Glaus, her favorite player. She agonized with Troy this past season, but understands that everyone has to have a down time in his or her life. She says, “I know he will come back next year to dazzle the American League and become MVP and winner of many awards during his time in the league.” A couple of years ago I gave her a Troy Glaus lapel pin, and she wears that pin as a true fan would!

On several occasions you have referred to yourself as the “Mother Teresa” of NAPM-O.C. and now I know why. Mother Teresa often quoted her name saint, Therese of Lisieux, “Do little things with great love.” And you Sara, do little things with great love for so many. Thank-you!