Joni Avery Hires

Celebrating the moments of her life is something Joni Avery does well. The ability to focus, to remain flexible, to keep a lively sense of humor even under adverse circumstances, and to manage her time well have enabled Joni to accomplish much already even as a young adult.

Her goal-setting skills surfaced early when, at the age of 3, she set a goal never to miss a day of school. Twenty-seven hundred class days later (3 years of pre-school, kindergarten, and 12 years of public schools) she reached her goal with perfect attendance. At the age of 12 she began an investment program and continues to focus on setting financial goals. She also has goals in every facet of her life: physical, mental, spiritual, social, financial, and family.

Graduating from Texas Christian University with a BBA, she continued graduate work at both TCU and UT-Permian. Between her junior and senior years of college, she spent the summer in Southeast Asia, studying business practices in Japan, Hong Kong, and China. At TCU, she was class officer, dorm president and on Chancellor's Leadership Group, while working part-time.

Employed by Pfizer Incorporated, she is a Sales Executive for this formidable pharmaceutical company. Her pride in the quality of Pfizer its product pipeline and commitment to improving healthcare were the main appeals in her goal to join the Pfizer family.

Joni began public speaking at the age of 9 and became a member of the West Texas Program Bureau, giving seminars, speeches, and workshops to youth and adults. She motivates, instructs, or leads discussions with humor, warmth, and positive approach.

Community involvement has always been an important part of her life. She is very active in her church and has been a high school youth sponsor, and helped with rallies, camps, and all youth activities. Her primary goal as youth sponsor was to guide each youth to a positive self-image and personal responsibility.

Joni and her husband, Gary, are actively involved in the church they helped establish. Gary, who is a computer consultant and instructor by day, uses his gifts and talent in the area of music as the director of music and media for the church. Joni has served as the moderator, worship planning chairman and Angel Food volunteer. When they aren't busy with their jobs or church responsibilities, their hobby is traveling. They enjoy every opportunity they get to travel both inside and outside the U.S.