Like many organizations, ASAE has developed a strategic plan that is constantly evolving to meet tomorrow's challenges. Much of my time is spent keeping our programs and services in line with that strategic direction. With numerous divisions and hundreds of employees, staying on top of everything we are doing can be challenging. ASAE and its members, however, are beginning to see some fruit of their labor. This is an organization that must and absolutely will be responsive, open to change and accountable to its members and elected leadership.
Collaboration is both healthy and essential to our survival.
ASAE has a network of 68 regional, allied societies of association executives across the country that it relies on a great deal to relay member needs and concerns, share ideas and trumpet the benefits of association membership. Promoting this industry is a tremendously collaborative effort. Strategic alliances are certainly practical, in that you are pooling resources such as time, money and manpower, but also a great way to learn how other organizations operate and how well your own group works with others. Organizations had better understand that the days of the monolithic corporation are over. At 23 years of age, I was named chief executive officer of the Carolinas Association of Professional Insurance Agents Inc. in Raleigh, NC, and quickly learned to count on organizations like ASAE for my continued professional development and opportunities to network with other folks experiencing some of the same challenges.