Employee Spotlight: Meet the Team Member (Vonda Charboneau)

June 16, 2020

This is the latest in a continuing series of posts where we feature a member of our team using a Q&A format so you can get to know them a little better – both personally and professionally. This week we’ll be interviewing Vonda Charboneau, who joined the team in September 1997 as Executive Assistant to Mark R. Brown. Vonda’s expertise in managing the business calendar as well as trafficking and coordinating all calls with the appropriate team member has earned her many accolades from the firm and clients alike.  She excels at client relations and is central to the business development activities of Mark’s Team. Vonda has an Associate’s Degree from Central State University in Edmond, Oklahoma.   Q: Can you briefly describe your role at Brown and Company? A: My role as Executive Assistant to Mark is to support him in achieving his sales and operational goals.  Duties also include assisting clients in scheduling meetings, maintaining our database, travel arrangements, project management, and providing leadership and support to team members. Q: What is your favorite part about working for Brown and Company?  A: Supporting Mark and his family has been a blessing in my life for almost 23 years.  I have had the honor of working with such special and incredible clients, business associates and personal family and friends of Mark through the years, and they are all very special to me.  Some have become very dear and close friends.   I have also had the privilege of working with very talented, extraordinary and generous team members, many who have become life-long friends. Q: What do you find most challenging at Brown and Company? A: Keeping a stream-lined schedule with so many moving parts can be somewhat of a challenge. Q: What advice would you give to someone just joining the team? A: Always ask if unsure or have a question. There’s no point in sitting there wondering and wasting time when there are folks around who can help and are happy to do so.  Be patient and take advantage of the leadership and talent around you.   Now, we’ll switch gears to learn more what you like to do outside of the office. Q: What is your favorite sports team? A: The University of Oklahoma Sooners, and the Oklahoma City Thunder of course! Q: What is your favorite quote? A: The Oklahoma Standard: Service, Honor & Kindness Q: What is your favorite movie and/or book? I have a few favorites: The Replacements (A good team can do great things together!), It’s a Wonderful Life (Full of hope, faith and love), 50 First Dates & The Wedding Singer (Gotta have laughter in your life!) Q: When was the last time you laughed so hard you cried? A: I have had so many wonderful and funny times with my incredible family and friends.  Too numerous to choose just one, and thankful there will be many more!