For the August 2010 Fishhooker of the Every Other Month distinction, the Fishhook Team has selected Ann Brandon, Pastor of Administration at Church at the Crossing, Indianapolis, Ind. Fishhook asked Lindsay Dudeck to share her thoughts on why Ann received the honor:

1. What has Ann’s connection/relationship been with Fishhook?

Ann has been one of those people that always pushes you to do it better – an accountability partner of sorts. She holds us to high standards and isn’t afraid to ask questions and motivate. I personally got to know Ann when the Church at the Crossing hired Fishhook to serve as the interim marketing manager as we helped them search for a new one. Being on-site with her twice a week allowed me to see her passion for her job and strong moral character. We’ve also had the pleasure of working with her on several branding projects for the church, as well as their redesigned website, golove.org.

2. Which of Fishhook's Core Values does Ann most reflect?

Big-Boy Pants – in her case, Big-Girl! Let’s be politically correct here! As Pastor of Administration and an ordained pastor, Ann has passionately strived for a professional and humbly confident approach to ministry. She is a strong, confident female leader for the Kingdom!

3. If you were describing Ann to someone who has never met her, what would you say?

Ann is a gracious leader and boss. She’d probably actually not refer to herself as a boss; she’d call herself a team leader. When she sees potential and talent in an individual, she encourages and motivates one to do his/her best, just like a coach would do! I admire the way she articulates her thoughts. If you watch her face when you ask her a question, she’ll pause, tilt her head, gather her thoughts, construct them wisely and then share them with you in an honest, yet loving way.

Ann is a hugger. It doesn’t matter if she hugged you when you arrived for the meeting, she’ll hug you when you leave too. She’s a great hugger at that – genuine, warm, full hug like she hasn’t seen you in years!

4. What has Ann’s impact been on Church at the Crossing at large?

As Pastor of Administration, she juggles budgets, staffing, business administration, planning, strategy …so many hats, but she wears them like a pro. Her impact is a strong team of staff members, smooth processes and a cohesiveness that keeps everything going.

5. If someone had 1/2 hour to spend with Ann, what would you recommend they pick her brain about?

She might say something different here, but I think the way she deals with conflict is amazing. Even if she’s likely nervous on the inside, she never shows it. She’s loving, passionate, direct and caring all at the same time. I’m amazed at her poise – whether on the platform at church or across the table in her office, she keeps it together!

Learn more about Ann Brandon at golove.org.