At ECE our vibrant team comprises diverse and intriguing individuals who shape our collective identity. Through a series of engaging “Meet the Team” blogs, we aim to introduce you to our exceptional employees, offering insight into the personalities that help define ECE. Join us as we delve into the lives of our remarkable team members and discover the heart of what makes ECE special.
Meet Leigh
Meet Leigh Lane Peine, Senior Director of Marketing and Client Solutions. With a background as diverse as her interests, Leigh's journey from sports marketing to nonprofit work has equipped her with a wealth of experiences and a unique perspective. Beyond her role as Senior Director, Leigh is a passionate novice drummer, avid traveler, and cultural enthusiast. Let’s find out more about Leigh’s passions, hobbies, and the adventures that fuel her spirit.
Q & A Session
Q: What's your background? What did you do before joining ECE?
I've always been in marketing, but in a variety of areas - sports marketing, product management, agency account management, nonprofit. My role just before ECE was as the Chief Marketing Officer for the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) in Milwaukee, raising funds for the performing arts - one of my passions - in Southeastern Wisconsin.
Q: What do you do at ECE? What excites you most about your position and/or your team?
As the Sr. Director of Marketing and Client Solutions, I lead the efforts of our amazing team dedicated to promoting ECE and gaining new applicants who order reports and organizations that order directly, refer applicants to ECE, or take advantage of all the credential evaluation knowledge we have to share. I'm most excited about all of the opportunities that still exist for us. We've done some great things over the past few years, but there are plenty of ideas that we can still act on. Lots to come!
Q: What are three words that describe ECE's culture?
Academic, casual, empathetic
Q: What’s one of your favorite activities when you’re not working? Tell us something that others might find surprising.
When I'm not watching TV, this is a new one - I started taking drum lessons about 1 1/2 years ago. I love "stuff that rocks," so it's super fun to play along with some of my favorite songs. I'm also learning that I can do hard things with enough practice and consistency, and I know it's good for my brain. I never learned an instrument as a kid, so this is an entirely new part of my brain getting a workout.
Q: Where have you traveled inside or outside of the U.S.? Do you have a favorite country, city, or region that you like to visit?
We collect fridge magnets from all of the places that we visit, so we love a good "magnet trip" where we hit a lot of new places in one vacation. But if I had to pick a favorite, it'd be London. We're preparing to go back again for the third year in a row this April. We did an England trip in 2022, France plus two days in London in 2023, and now Ireland with two days in London in 2024. Apparently, that's our thing now.
Q: If you went to university, did you engage in any Study Abroad? If so, where?
I sure did! I wanted to be an AFS exchange student when I was in high school, but I kept getting rejected. They thought I was too introverted (let's hear it for introverts!). So, in my college experience, studying abroad was a big priority for me. I studied in Luxembourg and London during school, then I worked in London and Hamburg after I graduated. So grateful I had those opportunities.
Lightening Round!
Q: Netflix or Hulu?
Netflix. I've got all the streaming services, so it's hard to choose, but Netflix wins.
Q: Night or morning?
Night. Time for TV and sleep! Often sleep in front of the TV.
Q: Passenger or driver?
Passenger. Found time! I can read, sleep, and play on my phone.
Q: City or country?
City. New York, London, Paris - give me lots to do and see.
Q: Cooking or being cooked for?
Being cooked for. I cook because the family needs to eat. But I like eating lots more than cooking.
Q: Sweating or shivering?
Sweating. I've got my space heater on right now.
Q: Patterned or plain?
Patterned. My closet full of black, white, and grey would beg to differ, but I love a beautiful pattern.
Q: Reality shows or documentaries?
Documentaries. REAL real life is so fascinating. (But confession – I am part of Bachelor Nation. Don’t judge me.)
We hope our "Meet the Team" blog series provides a window into the diverse talents and passions that shape ECE. Through these interviews we celebrate the unique individuals who contribute to our culture and drive our success. Join us as we continue to highlight the voices and experiences that make ECE truly exceptional.