Milestones

My road in life took a while to figure out.
I married a year after high school graduation.
I didn't start my college career until I had two children. I also worked full time while attending college.
I started a secretarial service.
On a sales call for my secretarial service, I was offered a job as executive director of an association.
Since then I've always been in the association management industry.
Sometimes, you have to be open to other possibilities. I thought I'd have a secretarial service. I didn't even know there was such a thing as association management.

Career

Executive Director

I manage a trade association with six full time employees; 18 part time employees and 150 corporate members

Career Roadmap

Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Non-Profit Organizations
Education
Upholding a Cause and Belief

Day to Day

I manage, train and mentor employees. In addition, I solve problems and help the board of directors make policies. It is my duty to make the policies and procedures requested by the board work. I am responsible for the financial health of the organization.

Advice for Getting Started

Here's the first step for everyone

Look at the American Society of Association Executives and Texas Society of Association Executives websites to get much information about associations and available jobs.

Recommended Education

My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:

certification
Certification/License
Certified Association Executive (CAE)

Hurdles

The Noise I Shed

From Peers:

"Working with a different board of directors every year can be a challenge."

Challenges I Overcame

Learning Issues