Cathy
Raacke has deep roots in the San Gabriel Valley. She was born and bred in
Temple City. Her mother was in the first graduating class of Temple City
High School, and her daughters have followed in her school path thus far:
Emperor Elementary, Oak Avenue, TCHS, PCC. Older daughter Heather will be 21
in June; Kylie will be 13 in September. Heather is a 3rd generation graduate
from TCHS. Kylie will be following in a few years (she is currently at Oak
Avenue).
Cathy founded and owned an alarm company for 17 years and she is one of
five females currently licensed in the state of California to own and
operate an alarm company. In addition, she spent 17 years in corporate
America with Southern California Edison (1978-1993) and incorporated the
alarm company during that time.
In Cathy’s current role with Post Alarm Systems as their Community
Relations Consult-ant, she is involved with a variety of projects including
community events, public communications, etc. She also worked closely with
the San Marino Police Department developing a plan to meet their needs and
budget for a card access system. Bidding against several competitors, she
was awarded the project after a year of meetings, researching the needs of
the client and developing and implementing a system that would meet their
needs. “It is extremely gratifying to have that accomplishment” says Cathy.
Cathy thoroughly enjoys the alarm/security industry. After all, it has
been in her blood for the last 20+ years. It is interesting to note that her
careers have been more in male-dominated industries (electrical, security)
but as Cathy says “I feel comfortable and think a woman’s touch of
intelligence and organizational abilities is what these industries could
use! “
Cathy identifies her time as San Marino Chamber president as fun, very
exciting and one of her fondest accomplishments (besides her children). She
and her fellow members rebuilt the organization with the assistance of a
great team of volunteers (Chris Datwyler being one of them along with Judy
Carter – (wife of Wayne Carter: current San Marino Rotary President) and
took it to a new level. It is fascinating how paths continue to cross
numerous years later!
Cathy was originally inducted in early 2002 in the San Marino Rotary
but had to leave to take care of personal matters. She was re-inducted in
January 2007 . She says she is very excited to be an active element of
Rotary again and especially in the role as District Administrator. “ I know
this is a new role for the District, but give us a little time and we’ll be
running at full-speed to meet the needs of our clients.” says Cathy. She
views the “60 Clubs” in District 5300 as “clients”, which means her role is
to make sure the District’s clients are having their issues addressed and
resolved. “I’m excited to be a part of the team that will take District 5300
to a new level with the guidance and input from the Member Clubs of District
5300. Change is always difficult, but if done as a team with a mutual goal
set, it can be accomplished. “ says Cathy.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
