Al Colville

Describe one of the highlights of your life.
I guess that would have to be the four-year assignment that I had in Japan as manager of IBM’s charitable and philanthropic activities in that area. I was known as “IBM’s Santa Claus in the Far East.” Not only did I get to live in Tokyo for that period, which was a real treat, but my wife and I were able to travel extensively throughout the Asia Pacific area, a very varied and interesting territory.
Describe one of the biggest surprises of your life.
That I have been blessed with a great life and good health and have made it into my eighties.
Describe one of the tragedies/struggles of your life.
That would have to be when my wife developed amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease – a very debilitating disease that caused great difficulties for her in the last stages of her life.
Describe a dream you have for your future.
I guess this gives me a chance to get in a plug for the Fluvanna Leadership Development Program. I was very much wrapped up with this effort for its first 10 years of operations and I am delighted to see new leaders pick up the reins and continue to move this effort forward. My dream is that this program will continue to grow and improve over the years and serve this county by helping our citizens understand how things work around here.
Describe a fear you have for your future.
That my country may be moving away from the principles on which it was founded, the freedom that all our citizens were given to live their lives as they saw fit, not controlled by the wishes and whims of an all-powerful government that tries to act in their best interest. Because of our initial freedoms, we were able to build the world’s most powerful economy and have a standard of living that was the envy of the rest of the world. Now, because of the unintended consequences of unwise government actions, I see that all slipping away.
Here’s your chance to sound off.  If you could give one public service announcement or one word of advice to the public at large, what would it be?
If you have not already done so, sign up for the Fluvanna Leadership Development Program. You won’t regret it!