Anya Halldorson Gray

I was a stay-at-home mom until my youngest was in middle school. I have never been completely unemployed, as I did alterations and coached tennis (among other odd jobs) to pay for babysitting and tennis expenses. Back then I was an avid participant in ALTA (Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association) and played on AA2 level.

Even though teaching was my profession of choice, when I decided to go back to work, my certificate had expired, and I found myself once more in the corporate arena, something I had promised myself would never happen to me again. I worked for about three years in the two most toxic jobs I ever had. One was in an ad agency where I had to deal with a loser son-in-law, and then I went over to the client side…and still had to deal with the same caliber of folks. A nightmare! But I left there and went back to get my teaching certificate and was on the path to getting my masters when I filled in one week as a temp at my current job. I was torn when offered a job, as I was firmly set on getting back to teaching and still in shock from my last corporate experience. But I was promised this would be different, and the offer was too good to pass up. Best decision I ever made! I love all aspects of my job and am now a principal the firm. We are an executive search firm, and our practice deals primarily with senior level higher education searches. It is such a joy—and SUCH a departure from my previous experiences—to deal only with intelligent people!

My hobbies/passions revolve around cycling, travel, reading, writing, and fiber arts. My two sons are now and have always been the joy and light of my life, but as empty-nesters, my husband of 34 years and I are thoroughly enjoying being footloose and fancy-free!

Todd is in graduate school (and president of his class!) at Ohio State University. Alex, after having enjoyed his dream job with Reebok for a year, has just accepted the position of athletic director at a small private school in Savannah. Both played college baseball…Todd as a pitcher for Wake Forest and Alex as a first baseman for Valdosta State.

I have always lived in houses owned by various pets. The current owner of my house is a feisty rascal I found while doing the Avon Breast Cancer walk. She was a precious little wisp of a thing, but I believe now that she was a feral cat. The socialization process has been rocky, but she owns us—and the house—and since she seems to be sweetening up a bit, hopefully we will all survive.

I can’t wait to see everyone!!