Sheila Brady said she was surprised and very moved to be named Kiwanian of the Year.
Over the years Brady has become known among her fellow Kiwanians as a reliable volunteer for all of the Kiwanis and Key Club activities for children. She grew up in a large family in Utica, the youngest of eleven children. She learned about helping other children while working with the poor in the Utica area as a Y Teen member at the YWCA.
She knew then that her mission was to work with children and Kiwanis is helping to fulfill that mission, she said.
But first came a move to New York City, where she enjoyed a long career with the Association of American University Presses. Brady said she served as its sales manager for a number of years before starting her own business, Thor Information Services, which compiles lists of academics for publishers.
“A lot of my clients do books about education for children and families,” she said.Brady moved her business to Old Forge approximately 10 years ago, where she lives and works full time.
She became active in Kiwanis not long after and served as president in 2008 and 2009.
She has chaired many committees, leads the club in volunteer hours, and plans and helps with with all the fundraisers.
“If we ask for help, she never says no,” Doc Foley said of Brady when presenting her Kiwanian of the Year award.
