Executive Suite: Janine Dion, Woodbury

In 1983, Janine Dion answered a help-wanted ad for a part-time receptionist at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury, thinking, "it would be a great temporary spot while I searched for my ultimate management position."

She worked her way into that position, moving up to her current role, assisting in the management of the business.

Ten years ago, she founded Pet Peeves Inc., a nonprofit she runs from her Crest Hollow office, that helps fund animal rescue initiatives, educational and pet therapy programs. It's dubbed "the voice of Long Island pets."

"I've always felt great pain knowing that so many animals and humans are abused and neglected and cannot speak for themselves," says Dion, 49, president of the organization that has raised close to $800,000.

Be it related to animals or clients, she says, "I am extremely fortunate that I am permitted to bring my heart to work with me every day." 

What is the biggest business challenge you're facing?
"Being there for our customers in this difficult economy by respecting their budgets," while still providing high quality events. 

You invested $4 million last year in upgrading the pool and deck area. What led to that in a tough economic time?
"Richard Monti, chief executive, said it best: 'You don't save through a recession. You invest your way through it.' " 

How do you manage both -- having a challenging job and running a nonprofit?
"These two worlds balance me." At the Crest Hollow, "we work with so many not-for-profit agencies, guiding and assisting them with fundraising events, seminars and meetings. Pet Peeves has helped me to understand the plight of an executive director, fundraising in this difficult economy. I have walked the walk, and, therefore, I can understand their challenges." 

What do you look for when you're interviewing job candidates?
"Great eye contact, honesty, humility and focused energy, along with a great understanding and fondness for people." 

What is your favorite productivity tool, gadget, resource?
"Pencils, because they have erasers and you can always depend on them to be charged. I have all the toys, an iPad, an iPhone," but, "I always want to be able to work, so I choose the things that don't rely on technology. In the hurricane I had my date book and pencil -- neither needed to be charged." 

Where did you learn your best management lessons?
"The late Joseph Monti, former Crest Hollow chief executive, was my mentor. . . . He taught me that humility determines character and always preached, 'If you stand still, you'll go backward.' " 

If a fire alarm sounded in your office, what would you grab first? "My dog. He's a scaredy cat." (That would be Topo Gigio, one of her three rescue dogs and three rescue cats.) 

Corporate snapshot

Name: Janine Dion.

Title: Director of sales and marketing.

Company: Crest Hollow Country Club, Woodbury.

What it does: Catering; organizing meetings, seminars, wedding receptions. "We design custom experiences. We bring people together to celebrate and achieve their personal and professional dreams and goals."

Employees: 49 full-time, 350 part-time, in roles such as service, food and beverage, operations, event sales, marketing, maintenance.

Revenue: More than $17 million annually.