Elizabeth Rice Maget shares her business acumen with nonprofits

Elizabeth Rice Maget is chair of the 2012 American Cancer Society’s Discovery Celebration, “Mission Under The Moon,” set for July 11 at L’Auberge Del Mar. She is also CEO of Innovative Employee Solutions, Inc. a provider of outsourced payroll and HR services.

Maget is a 13-year member of Vistage, a board member of IES, Junior Achievement, Med-e-cell, and most recently, of CEO’s Against Cancer.

She has received numerous honors, including The Monarch School Miracle Award and the YWCA’s Tribute to Women Award. Other nonprofit organizations that benefit from her support include the American Cancer Society, YWCA, Ninos del Lago in Guatemala, and the Akilah Institute for Women in Rwanda.

What brought you to La Jolla?

My husband! We moved to La Jolla from the San Francisco area in 1982. Henri, a research scientist, accepted a consulting position with one of the early San Diego medical device companies. The reason he wanted to come here is that La Jolla reminded him of the French Riviera. At first I missed the culture, restaurants and many accessible day trips from San Francisco, but he was right, and since then we decided to stay. We love the village, the views, and after working all day, going home.

If you could snap your fingers and have it done, what might you add, subtract or improve in the area?

We all dislike the traffic congestion and poor road maintenance, but more than that, I dislike the cars speeding and even passing each other on Soledad Mountain Road. I would add some roundabouts between Soledad Road and Desert View so it is safer for children, dog walking, biking and the residents; or as an alternative, add some stop signs and crosswalks. In Bird Rock and on the lower portion of Via Capri roundabouts have helped immensely. Also, parking permits for residents might be a good idea.

If you hosted a dinner party for eight, whom (living or deceased) would you invite?

In addition to my husband and me, I would invite my parents and my in-laws, Aunt Marthe and Diane Sawyer.

What are you reading?

I’m reading two books right now — “The Egoscue Method of Health through Motion” by Pete Egoscue and “Our Divided Political Heart” by E. J. Dionne.

What is your most-prized possession?

I have two; our home on Mount Soledad with its view and serene environment, and our 8-year-old Japanese Chin named “Guitou,” who is naturally tranquil and devoted. He knows all of the shopkeepers in La Jolla who offer treats and tugs at me to go in when I don’t need to. It is great for promotion. I can’t possibly allow him to go in for a treat without at least buying something.

What is your most-marked characteristic?

A smile for everyone.

What is your motto or philosophy of life?

Be kind to others, always offer a smile, and share what I can in time, understanding and support.

What would be your dream vacation?

Six months in Provence, France in a house high above Callian, 45 minutes from Nice.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Traveling to other countries long enough to learn and appreciate the culture.

Who or what inspires you?

I am inspired by not-for-profits organizations like Junior Achievement, the YWCA and the American Cancer Society. The power of volunteers in our community is more than inspiring. In my retirement years, I look forward to giving back to these and others who make a difference.