By Dalton Lee, Baldwin Wallace ’11
Lisa and Mark Adams.
We so often take the time to honor the accomplished men within our organization, and as an organization comprised of only men, that comes as no surprise. Astronauts, politicians, CEOs, and the plethora of other distinguished alumni within our fraternity make for great stories. However, there is the old saying, “Behind every great man, there is a great woman.” While this is a rather antiquated notion, we at Phi Kappa Tau will choose to take the positives of this statement and repurpose it for a more applicable quote: “Behind every great organization, there is a great woman.”
Roughly 26 years ago a young woman named Lisa Adams was unhappy in her current role and was hoping to move back to Oxford, Ohio. Securing an interview for a reception position at the Beta Theta Pi fraternity, she had hope for a fresh start. Beta Theta Pi decided to go with another candidate, but later passed Lisa’s name along to another fraternity. Lisa received a call from the former Assistant Executive Director of Phi Kappa Tau, Craig Little, Ohio State ’80, and was asked to interview for the Finance Coordinator position. Since May of 1996, Lisa Adams has been a staple of the Phi Kappa Tau Executive Offices, and of the fraternity as a whole. Working with countless staff members, meeting Phi Tau members from all generations and chapters, and building friendships as strong as the brotherly ties we all hold dear. When asked what her favorite memories as a staff member were, Lisa mentioned the opportunities to travel and see the country, but nothing could top the friendships made and the chance to go to conventions where she could reconnect with members of her “second family.”
The Adams Family (Christmas 2021).
Earning the moniker of “second family” is a title, of which, we should all be proud. Yet, there are those who hold Lisa in even greater regard. Married for over 32 years, Lisa and husband Mark have two daughters: Julie and Mallory, and four grandchildren: Jaylen, Josie, Jameson, and Annie. Although we were unable to speak with Lisa’s family prior to this news piece, I’m sure they would have expressed immense gratitude for the amazing wife, mother, and grandmother that she is. Drawing inspiration from heroes like Maya Angelou and Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Lisa has become what she always aspired to be—strong and capable, while remaining kind and uplifting to others. Instead of ending this piece with a generic thank you, we decided to hear from some of our longest running staff members on what Lisa means to them and the organization:
"Lisa has been a faithful and devoted member of the Executive Office team for more than 25 years...serving in many official and unofficial roles; notably as fellow employee, friend, on-site event registration guru (ex. Conventions - 12 attended as a staffer), and at times a provider of motherly advice to a number of staffers. She is also a fierce defender of the positive relationships that are created within this organization - one could argue she understands that as deeply as any brother of our Fraternity. With gratitude, we say thank you Lisa!" - Chief Executive Officer Tim Hudson, Truman ’97
“Lisa is as much a part of Phi Kappa Tau as any member. In many ways, she's the glue that holds the Executive Offices together. In addition to the stability and integrity she brings to our financial operations, her personal relationship with so many members make the Phi Tau family what it is.” -Foundation Director Charlie Ball, Miami ’82
“Working at the executive offices is many staff members’ first step into the professional world, which can be a struggle for some. Lisa provides not only a model of professionalism, but also a consistency the organization would be lost without.” -Director of Communications Logan Lukacs, Baldwin Wallace ’10
Thank you, Lisa, for all that you do.