In 2023, Dotty Summerfield Giusti was honored as one of Memphis Business Journal’s Women Who Lead in Entrepreneurship. As the founder of Summerfield Associates Inc., a boutique recruiting agency, Dotty was recognized for her work in staffing reform and setting new standards.
We caught up with Dotty to hear about her involvement with the inaugural MEMTECH awards, what she loves most about Memphis, and more. Get to know this trailblazing FACE of Memphis!
Tell us a little about your background.
I was born and raised in Memphis and have never lived outside the city limits! I’ve spent most of my life in East Memphis. I graduated from White Station High School, spent my freshman year of college at Sophie Newcomb/Tulane University, and then came back to the University of Memphis (then Memphis State). I’ve never had any desire to leave home.
Can you give us a brief overview of your career before you founded Summerfield Associates?
Depending on how far back you want to go, I was a day camp director, an assistant to a “junket” coordinator at the Dunes Hotel in Las Vegas, and a community volunteer on the founding Board of Directors for Runaway House/Family Link. I spent 10 years with other recruiting firms before starting Summerfield Associates — working for other firms and pretty bad bosses taught me how NOT to manage other people.
What challenges did you face as a female entrepreneur when you founded your boutique recruiting agency over 30 years ago?
The biggest challenge was funding. No one wanted to lend me anything or rent me an office!
What is your most outstanding career achievement?
I was honored to receive the Norbert I. B. Fried Ethics Award from the National Association of Personnel Services for leading the work in establishing its Standards of Ethical Practices.
You’re very active in the Memphis community! What is your role with the Greater Memphis Chamber?
I’ve been involved with the Small Business Council for over two decades since its inception. I recently stepped down as co-chair and still serve on the SBC’s Think Tank. I also serve on the Chamber Foundation Board.
Let’s talk about the Society of Information Management (SIM) and the inaugural MEMTECH Awards. How were you involved? Why are these awards a big deal for Memphis?
The SIM MEMTECH Committee planned and executed the entire function. We created it from the ground up, determining the award categories, the criteria for each award, and the timeline. And we worked with the caterer and event facility. We made sure nominations were open to the entire IT community. Then, an award committee (only two SIM members sat on that body) reviewed the nominations and made their decisions.
The Awards event was the first of its kind in Memphis, recognizing IT Leaders from public and private companies and educational institutions in a broad range of tech positions.
What do you love most about Memphis?
The city’s warmth — from the friends I’ve had for decades to how Memphians open their arms to newcomers. I love the food, flavor, and beat of our diverse music and arts. Most of all, I love the community’s giving heart. Nowhere gives more of itself the way Memphis does.
Is there any other community involvement you’d like to share?
I am the Immediate Past Chair of the Board of Directors of the Better Business Bureau of the Mid-South. Previously, I served on the Board of Directors for Make-A-Wish Mid-South, the Memphis Child Advocacy Center, and Playhouse on the Square.
Where can we find you when you aren’t working?
At home, happily cooking a quiet meal for my Jim and me or just as happy having up to 60 people here for a big party. If not at home, you’ll find me anywhere from my favorite city of Paris to Italy to some crazy place like Mongolia, Antarctica, or Churchill, Canada!
What is your best piece of advice?
In business, make your banker your best friend. And as my father told me, “Your word is your bond.” Also, you have to be a friend to have a friend. And the friends we have are the family we choose — so choose them wisely.
Name three things you can’t live without.
A little dog in the house to snuggle, really good coffee waiting for me when I wake up, and the peace and joy of good health.
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