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| Inducted: |
1992 |
John O. Dickinson has been passionately dedicated to the mission and people of Junior Achievement for more than 50 years. Since his retirement in 1992, John has continued to serve as a consultant on board development and fund raising. John is also a past chair of the JA Pioneers, an association of retired JA professionals.
Dickinson’s JA career began in 1955, after graduating from the University of Wisconsin at Superior. His first position was program director for Junior Achievement of St. Paul (JA of the Upper Midwest). Soon after, he was appointed to the Headquarters staff as Midwest regional expansion assistant.
In 1957, Dickinson became executive director of JA in Indianapolis, where student participation increased by 160 percent. In 1962, Dickinson was appointed chief staff officer by JA of Cleveland. During his five-year tenure, the student participation increased 113 percent and Dickinson spearheaded construction of five buildings – the largest building program in Junior Achievement history. After Cleveland, Dickinson returned to the Headquarters staff as the regional vice president for the Midwest.
Later Dickinson became the president of JA of Chicago where he served until his retirement. Dickinson’s vision and drive led Chicago to be the first area to annually raise $1 million. Under his leadership, Chicago also was the first area to adopt Total Quality Management (TQM) to develop and implement the tiered-giving concept, and to develop a local Business Hall of Fame.
Dickinson received the Charles R. Hook Award, presented each year to the field staff person considered to be the most outstanding in the country, in 1981 and 1991. He has also received the National “Above and Beyond” Award, the National Innovation Award, and the Distinguished Professional Award.
Dickinson highly values and enjoys the people around him. He derives great pride and satisfaction in the accomplishments and career advancements of his family, peers, friends, and associates.
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