Sharon Thomas

About

Sharon Chandler (Thomas) served as the 8th National President of SWING PHI SWING Social Fellowship, Inc. (2009 - 2012). President Chandler was elected in April 2009 during SWING’s 40th Anniversary Convention in Winston-Salem, NC and she officially passed the torch to her successor in October 2012 at GROOVE’s 50th Anniversary Convention in Hunt Valley, MD. Prior to becoming President, Sis. Sharon served as National Treasurer, Graduate Affairs Officer, and South Central Regional Administrator. She also served as a member of both SWING’s and the SHE Foundation’s Board of Directors for several terms.

President Chandler’s primary goals were to increase membership, improve the organization’s  infrastructure and its visibility and exposure to the general public through various media outlets. In pursuit of these goals, this administration set out to boost SWING’s membership intake while expanding the organization’s geographic footprint. They implemented a modified intake process known as the SWING EXPLOSION. Led by Vice President Brenda Noble, the Membership Committee developed and implemented major revisions to SWING’s application and intake processes. Through their efforts, ten new graduate chapters were chartered. 

President Chandler also sought to improve SWING’s infrastructure by developing and/or improving several of the organization’s governing documents. She and her administration relied heavily on data-driven decision making strategies and newly available technological advancements. She developed a LAST RITES MANUAL, expanding the Death Rites Ceremony and detailing protocol to be followed when a sister is laid to rest. Media Affairs Officer, Melonee Gaines-Griggs, was responsible for developing SWING’s first BRAND BOOK to be used as a comprehensive guide for defining and maintaining the organization's visual identity. During that time the EBONY PEARL Newsletter also improved in content quality, size and appearance. Sis. Sharon also worked closely with her newly established Information Technology (IT) Officer, Rose Lockhart, to select and customize a new membership database, increase the functionality of our national website and procure additional software to assist in managing the organization more efficiently and effectively. Graduate Affairs Officer, Lasandra Barksdale, developed the LADYBUG EVALUATION process and a GETTING STARTED GUIDE for new chapters. Sis. Sharon created an enhanced VENDING & ONLINE MERCHANDISING process and also worked closely with Historian, Brenda Torrence, and IT Officer Rose Lockhart to create and publish SWING’s 2nd HISTORICAL JOURNAL.

Although Past National President Chandler only served in her position for a single term, her contributions to SWING PHI SWING before, during and after that term have significantly impacted the overall growth of the organization.