Richard Bennett, MD joined the Greater Richmond SCAN Board in 2021. He is a local pediatrician in Richmond’s East End with the office of Lillie R. Bennett MD. We are thankful to have his expertise as a pediatrician and passion for helping families as part of the SCAN Board!
How did you first get involved with SCAN?
I have known about SCAN for a long time due to the patient population I work with as a pediatrician. I joined the Board after a friend and current Board member, Amy Quigley, invited me to become more involved with SCAN.
What has your life/work experience been that brought you to SCAN?
Simply working with children, some with social and economic disadvantages, has brought me to this work. We want to give them help to be a more complete person and parent beyond just being a pediatrician for the family. This lead to my interest in organizations like SCAN.
What inspires you to stay involved with your work at SCAN?
The work we do at SCAN is positive, makes a difference, and moves the needle. The people also inspire me to stay involved. SCAN’s staff are dedicated and passionate. They are there for the mission. The mission defines people and people define the culture of an organization. SCAN has an amazing organizational culture.
Is there anything you wish other people knew about SCAN?
Everything! I wish we could put what SCAN does on a billboard and make the information around SCAN’s work required reading for folks. The compilation of programs at SCAN that work together at the community and direct service level is what makes it special. SCAN also works to partner in areas where others may have the expertise or services in place to best meet needs.
What has been the best experience with SCAN so far?
Besides meeting and interacting with the staff, it was witnessing a CASA case. It was the end of a case and the CASA volunteer was coming off the case because the teenager involved was doing so well. The CASA had done her job. Although it was hard to come off the case, it was a good thing that she had done well as an advocate and this teen was thriving.
What are any challenges you have faced in your work with SCAN?
Not being able to do it all! SCAN has so many interesting offerings and it’s hard to not have the time to make all the trainings and events.
Do you have any goals or hopes for the next year with SCAN?
That we continue to cultivate the strong organizational culture that SCAN has as this makes our programs successful.
Are you involved with any other community organizations, hobbies, or activities?
I’m involved with several other nonprofits. I’m on the Boards of Northstar Academy and Bon Secours Mercy Health Foundation. I also just rotated off the Boards of Voices for Virginia’s Children and St. Joseph’s Villa.
What might someone be surprised to learn about you?
That I sometimes take my work home with me. There are some children you encounter in this work that you pray extra hard for and work to find extra resources and help. It can be tough to leave this at the office when you want to ensure positive outcomes for all kids.
