Full name: Elizabeth Ann (Liz) Betz
Title: Executive Director
Company: Capital Area CASA Association
Age: 53
Hometown: Baton Rouge
Why do you do what you do?
I strongly believe all children deserve a safe, permanent home where they can grow and thrive. CASA helps make sure that happens for abused and neglected children.
What is your greatest professional accomplishment?
CASA’s goal has always been to have an advocate for every child who needs one. This year we reached that goal in East Baton Rouge Parish.
What was your first job?
Typing prescription labels at Bolton’s Pharmacy while in college.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Know your strengths but don’t be blind to your weaknesses.
Who do you most admire in the local business community and why?
It’s not one person but a group of people – CASA volunteers. These are busy folks with jobs and families of their own to take care of but they find the time to serve as an advocate for an abused child. They are truly amazing people.
If you could have any job other than your own, what would it be?
Artist (but I’d probably be starving!)
What is the greatest personal or professional obstacle you’ve overcome?
Being a single mom was challenging but my children are young adults now with successful careers of their own and that is extremely rewarding.
If you started over, what would you do differently?
I certainly haven’t done everything right or even efficiently but I don’t think I’d change anything. Everything happens for a reason and that’s how we learn and become who we are.
What is your prescription for life?
Focus on what’s important and try not to sweat the small stuff. Try to always do the right thing. Laugh a lot, especially at yourself!
What book are you currently reading?
Julie and Julia
If you could have dinner with any three living people, who would they be? (Authors? Leaders?)
Steve Martin, Frank McCourt and Ellen Gilchrist – three of the greatest living storytellers.
Who would play you in a movie?
Michelle Pfeiffer
What do you do to unwind?
Work in the yard or just hang out with friends and family.
What is the most expensive purchase you’ve made for yourself?
A beautiful French farm table for my dining room.
What is your favorite weekend activity?
Road trips exploring Louisiana.
What’s your theme song?
You got me on this one – I guess I don’t have one since nothing comes to mind.
What’s your favorite spot in Baton Rouge?
The bench in my garden.
How do you take your coffee/tea?
Tea – straight.
What is your favorite movie? Erin Brockovich
TV show? Anything on The Food Network
Band? (musician) Jack Johnson
What is your favorite gadget?
A rose thorn stripper that belonged to my Dad.
What is something that you can’t live without?
My family.
If you could change one thing about Baton Rouge, what would it be?
The traffic.
What is your greatest hope for Baton Rouge?
An excellent education for every child.
What is your greatest fear for Baton Rouge?
That we’re afraid of change.
