By: Juliana O’Rork
The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) is filled with extraordinary women. One of those women is Sustainer Lynne Little. Born and raised in Salisbury, North Carolina, Lynne currently resides in Charlotte with her husband of 35 years, Nevan, and their Australian Labradoodle, Tesca.
After moving to Charlotte in 1986 to work and further her education, Lynne started volunteering with various organizations. It wasn’t long until a mentor and friend asked her if she would be interested in joining the JLC. “I was so excited I jumped in with both feet. My provisional year was so much fun! Not only did I reconnect with friends that I had met in college; I made lots of new friends that were like-minded. We all just wanted to do our part to help.”
Over the next several years, Lynne absorbed valuable leadership training through the JLC and was able to volunteer in the local community in many ways. She especially loved her placements within the Community Impact Council. It was in those placements that she met wonderful people she is still friends with today.
With an impressive resume, including dental hygienist, co-manager of a startup community bank, serving on the bank’s board for more than 10 years and starting her own consulting business, Lynne was asked to serve on the Christchurch Parents’ Council while her son, Carter, was a student. By the following year, Lynne was asked to serve as President of the Parents’ Council. Having taken the Parents’ Council to the next level with her excellent leadership and vision, it came as no surprise when Lynne was asked to become a Governor in 2014 and by 2020, Lynne was named the first female Chair of the Board of Governors in the school’s history!
Through her experiences with the NC State Board of Dental Examiners and the Junior League, Lynne discovered her passion for governance. In addition to Christchurch School, she also serves on the following boards: Piedmont Cheerwine Bottling Company, Carolina Beverage Corporation, Quality Beverage Brands, Central Piedmont Community College Foundation and the Charlotte City Club.
In her role as Chair of the Board at Christchurch School, she puts thoughts and ideas into action, leads by example and walks the walk. Something she has embodied in her roles throughout her time in the JLC.
When it comes to the importance of service, Lynne says, “My grandmothers and my mother taught me the importance of giving back to your community. Seeing their example, the desire to get involved with service and giving back came naturally to me.”
One thing Lynne mentioned that has remained the same throughout her whole life is the desire to always do her best to help others with whatever skills and attributes she has. Philanthropy and volunteerism are in her blood. Helping others while being the best person she can be is what she loves to do and strives for.
“When I think about how I got to where I am today and why I enjoy the things that I do, I credit my family for teaching me the importance of giving back through volunteer activities. I credit the Junior League of Charlotte for helping shape me as a leader and most of all, I thank God for the blessings that he bestows and the opportunities that have presented themselves. There have certainly been challenges, but each challenge has been met with a blessing.”
Lynne Little
(PHOTO SOURCE: Central Piedmont Community Colllege Foundation)
