Dan Worra is a man of substantial influence and dedication in the military and civilian sectors. From his roots in Rantoul, Illinois, to his current role as CEO of Camp Korey, Worra’s career is defined by his commitment to service, leadership, and community involvement. Here, we explore the various facets of his life, highlighting his professional achievements, personal values, and the impact he continues to make.
Early Life and Military Service
Worra grew up in Rantoul, Illinois, a small town where community values run deep. He was surrounded by a supportive family and community, which instilled in him a sense of duty and commitment. His academic journey led him to pursue a degree in economics, a field that honed his analytical and problem-solving skills. These skills would later prove invaluable in his varied and distinguished career.
Worra’s most formative years were spent in the U.S. Navy, where he served for 24 years. His military career is marked by significant achievements. Worra accumulated over 2100 flight hours in the EA-6B Prowler, participated in 55 combat missions, and completed 640 carrier landings. His service was not just about flying but also about leadership and strategy. One of his notable roles was as Senior Advisor to the Minister of the Interior in Afghanistan. This position required him to navigate complex international challenges and demonstrate his capability in strategic governance.
Worra's time in the Navy also included academic achievements. He was named a Conrad Scholar at the Naval Postgraduate School, recognizing his academic prowess and dedication to continuous learning. These experiences in the military shaped his leadership style, emphasizing discipline, resilience, and strategic thinking.
Transition to Civilian Roles
After retiring from the Navy, Worra transitioned into civilian roles, focusing on service and leadership. His first significant role was at General Electric, where he served as a Field Service Engineer. He quickly moved up the ranks to become the Northwest Field Service Manager. Worra applied his military-honed skills in a new context in these roles, demonstrating adaptability and a commitment to excellence.
Worra’s leadership capabilities were further recognized during his tenure as Executive Director at the Port of Anacortes. He was instrumental in driving improvements and fostering a culture of excellence here. His contributions earned him the Distinguished Service Award from the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association. Under his guidance, Cap Sante Marina was named Marina of the Year for Customer Service by Marina Dock Age Magazine. This recognition highlighted Worra’s effective management and dedication to customer service.
Leadership at Camp Korey
In his current role as CEO of Camp Korey,
Dan Worra has found a mission that aligns closely with his values. Camp Korey is dedicated to providing adaptive programs for children with life-altering medical conditions. Under Worra’s leadership, the organization has continued to grow and impact many children's and their families' lives.
Worra’s approach to leadership at Camp Korey is rooted in integrity, compassion, and empathy principles. He emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion, ensuring that the programs meet the unique needs of each child. His philosophy is to empower his team, foster responsibility, and view mistakes as learning opportunities. This approach drives the organization's success and ensures that the children and families receive the highest level of care and support.
Worra’s vision for Camp Korey involves creating an environment where differences are celebrated and understanding is cultivated. He believes that Camp Korey can help children and their families navigate their challenges with dignity and hope by fostering a supportive and inclusive community.
Community Involvement and Personal Values
Beyond his professional achievements,
Dan Worra is deeply committed to his community. He is an active member of the Anacortes Rotary Club and serves as the Treasurer. Rotary’s mission to provide service, promote integrity, and advance world understanding aligns closely with Worra’s values. His involvement in Rotary allows him to contribute to local and international projects, reflecting his belief in the importance of service at all levels.
Worra is also involved in his church, serving on the Stewardship Committee. This role involves ensuring that the church’s resources are used effectively to support its ministries locally and abroad. His participation in the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association and the Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County further showcases his commitment to fostering economic and social growth in his region.
Worra’s values are closely tied to his professional ethos. He attributes much of his success to his family's support and the lessons he learned during his military career. His guiding principles include "mission, family, work hard, have fun," which help him maintain a balance that promotes well-being and sustained success.
Influences and Future Plans
Worra draws inspiration from various sources, including Howard Behar, a former Starbucks executive known for prioritizing people over profit. Behar’s emphasis on a supportive and respectful culture resonates with Worra and influences his leadership style. Worra aims to create a similar environment at Camp Korey, where the well-being of employees and the children they serve is paramount.
Looking ahead, Worra is focused on expanding Camp Korey’s reach and impact. He is committed to continuous learning and improving the lives of children with medical conditions. His dedication to community service, his team’s well-being, and the organization’s mission remain central to his work.
Worra’s future plans also involve enhancing Camp Korey's financial stability to ensure that its programs can continue to grow and serve more families. He understands the fundraising challenges and is dedicated to telling Camp Korey’s compelling story to attract more support.
A Day in the Life of Dan Worra
A typical day for Worra begins early. He prefers to be one of the first in the office, using the quiet morning hours to tackle administrative tasks and plan the day. His approach to work is methodical, ensuring that each task is addressed promptly and efficiently. This discipline, a hallmark of his military background, allows him to maintain high productivity.
Throughout the day, Worra is actively involved with his team. He believes in being visible and approachable, often walking around the office and the camp to connect with staff and participants. This hands-on approach helps him stay attuned to the needs and challenges of his team and the children they serve. Worra values open communication and encourages his team to share their ideas and concerns, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.
In addition to his responsibilities at Camp Korey, Worra remains engaged with his community roles. He attends meetings and events related to his work with the Rotary Club and other local organizations, ensuring he stays connected to the broader community. These activities reflect his commitment to service and provide opportunities to advocate for Camp Korey and its mission.
Worra’s day often extends into the evening, balancing professional commitments with family time. He places a high value on spending time with his wife and children, recognizing the importance of family support in his career and personal well-being. This balance is critical to his philosophy, ensuring he can give his best to his work and family.
Final Thoughts
Dan Worra's career spans military service and influential civilian roles, marked by a consistent commitment to service and leadership. His tenure at Camp Korey and active community involvement highlights his dedication to making a positive impact. Worra’s approach, grounded in integrity, empathy, and empowerment, is a model for effective leadership.
His story illustrates the importance of service in professional and personal spheres. By focusing on the needs of others and fostering a supportive community, Worra has created a lasting impact on the lives of many. His leadership at Camp Korey and beyond continues to inspire and demonstrate the profound difference that dedicated service can make.
