1. Tyler (T.J.) Hicks
Northern Illinois University
Center for P-20 Engagement
Lowden Hall 307
DeKalb, IL 60115-2828
January 29, 2015
To the Hiring Manager:
I am writing to provide my recommendation for my former colleague Paul Gooding. I had the opportunity to
work with Paul over the course of several years while working in multiple positions at DuPage Children's
Museum, beginning in 2006.
Paul is an effective manager and was a strong asset to the museum, as evidenced by the organization's
reputation in regards to interactions with floor staff and experiences on the museum exhibit floor, which Paul
oversaw on a daily basis.Paul is detail-oriented and excels in ensuring that daily operations go off without a
hitch, and that schedules and policies are adhered to by his staff. He has shown the ability to effectively lead
a very large and diverse staff that ranged from first-time volunteers to experienced senior managers.
In my interactions with him over several years, I found Paul to be positive and always very personable and
friendly. These attributes, along with his excellent interpersonal communication skills,are perhaps his
greatest strengths. Paul is also quick to communicate any concerns to senior staff, and does not hesitate to
professionally speak up when additional information needs to be communicated in order to create the best
possible environment for co-workers and customers. I also want to point out that while not directly related to
work, it is very clear that Paul is a values driven person who clearly cares and looks out for his family and
friends (in the years I spent working alongside him at the museum, I was inspired in seeing Paul both look
after and ensure that his special-needs brother had meaningful opportunities to do productive volunteer
work for the organization).
I would not hesitate to recommend Paul for any position in which he is working directly with customers and
the public. He would excel in a management position, whether supervising employees, a facility, or both. Any
organization would be lucky to have Paul join their team. If you would like additional information about Paul,
you can telephone me at (630) 715-6053 or email me at tylerjhicks@gmail.com.
Sincerely,
Tyler (T.J.) Hicks
Project Developer, Northern Illinois University
Director of Integrated Brand Marketing, DuPage Children’s Museum, 2012-2014