Edward Leach
Executive Director
National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD)
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
Graduated high school and worked in various factories and other non-skilled jobs for 8 years.
Got laid off and started community college with the goal of opening a gym because I lifted weights.
Took an athletic training class, fell in love with sports medicine, and decided to become an ATC.
Followed a girl to EKU, became a certified athletic trainer, awarded a GA to attend MU; graduated.
Worked as a ATC for several years, got interested in ed admin, and returned to grad school for PhD.
Intended to become an athletic director, but was persuaded to pursue higher-level goal / position.
Worked at 2 comm colleges, offered job and worked 13 yrs at comm college non-profit until laid off.
Being laid off after 13 years led to becoming the executive director of international organization!
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Pavilion Central School
Pavilion Central School
Career
Executive Director
I lead an organization (www.nisod.org) that promotes and celebrates excellence in community and technical colleges.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Education
Non-Profit Organizations
Upholding a Cause and Belief
Day to Day
A typical day involves lots of email correspondence, working with my team to achieve our organization's goals, and developing / planning strategies that add value to our organization for our member colleges and corporate partners.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for high school students
Spend considerable time (volunteer) at a local membership association and get a feel for the kind of work they do, etc.
Recommended Education
My career is not related to what I studied. I'd recommend this path instead:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Friends:
"You're too old to start college at 26 years old. I worked for eight years after high school prior to starting at a community college after being laid off from a factory job."
Challenges I Overcame
First-Generation College Student
