Prescott Woman Magazine interviewed Irene Winters, a recent retiree from National Bank and Director of the Prescott Downtown Partnership. We learned about how much she values helping people and organizations.
PWM: How long have you been a member of the Prescott Downtown Partnership?
Irene: I am coming up on ten years.
PWM: Tell us about what brought you to Prescott and the role you’re in as far as employment.
Irene: I was born in Los Angeles, California. After my birth father died in the war, my mother, who was born in Mayer, brought us back to Arizona. She married great man who I would eventually call my dad. For the past 60 years plus one day, I worked in the banking financial area, going from bookkeeper to Vice President and manager of three local bank branches. I retired in May of 2023.
PWM: What about the Prescott Chamber is different from other organizations in the area, and what do you personally enjoy best about being part of it?
Irene: In PDP I have learned a lot about the workings of the town. It has given me a new outlook on the business owners and what they do to make this a better city, such as concerts and plaza events. They look out for all the downtown business owners to help them make a living. The best part is the learning and information that I have received over the years.
PWM: Do you serve in any additional roles within the Prescott Downtown Partnership?
Irene: I am currently a director of PDP and assist on the bylaws and P & P committee.
PWM: Do you have family here? Other activities in which you participate?
Irene: My immediate family consists of two sisters and a brother, me being the oldest sibling.
PWM: How are you involved in the community?
Irene: My activities and involvement in the community go hand in hand. Currently, I am on five nonprofit boards. I’m beginning my 37th year as a director or chairperson and am the current corporate secretary for Prescott Frontier Days, as well as Vice President of the Center of Prescott, Vice President of Prescott Free Clinic, Director of United Way of Yavapai County, and Director of PDP. For approximately the past 10 years I have done the staging for the PDP light parade and judged for the Chamber Day parade.
PWM: Do you work downtown and what do you like best about that?
Irene: I have not worked downtown for the last number of years since National Bank moved from the corner of Gurley and Cortez. I miss seeing what goes on in the downtown area—the baskets, the parades, the lights being placed.
PWM: What else do you want to add that people might not know about you or what you do/offer?
Irene: What I would like people to know is that I am a shy person who loves to assist people and their organizations. Time, energy, and sometimes knowledge all allow me to do these things.