How did you end up working in Associations?My career started in nonprofit communications and fundraising. I have worked at several non-profits in other states including Habitat for Humanity chapters in Tennessee and Texas. My passion has always been giving back, providing opportunities to underserved communities, and making volunteer board members’ lives easier. I moved to Madison in 2017 from Austin, Texas. I stayed home with my first child for a year as I acquainted myself with our new city and being a mom. I found that I needed to shift a bit in my career to accommodate my new obligations as a mom. I wanted to find something where my skills would be utilized, I would still be fulfilled by my work, yet still be able to balance my work and home life. I found my administrative, communications, management, and fundraising skills gained from nonprofit work to be completely aligned with association management. I started with Impact Association Management Company in 2018 as an Association Manager and have worked my way up to Executive Director. I now serve as the Executive Director for three associations.
What do you enjoy most about your job/the work you do?
Honestly, I love that I am good at it. I have always considered myself a “jack of all trades” and at times that made me feel I didn’t have enough experience in a particular industry or trade to climb any ladders. That was until I found Association Management. All my skills from nonprofit hat-wearing have proven to be quite valuable in managing several associations at once and guiding them towards growth.
What is your biggest career highlight to date? Here's your chance to brag a little :)
I don’t have a formal accomplishment to share but I remember the moment I realized that I belonged in the room/at the table. I have often suffered from “imposter syndrome” but I was asked by my CEO to attend a WSAE CEO Roundtable meeting that she was unable to attend. I was a little nervous but once everyone started sharing their ideas and hurdles, I thought to myself “Oh I got this! This is my area of expertise and I can not only learn from the people in this room, but I can also contribute value."
What aspect of your WSAE membership do you value most?
The networking and sharing of resources, experiences, and ideas with other association management professionals.
Outside of the work stuff, please share what makes you happy (travel, hobbies, family, pets...whatever makes you smile).
I have two young children (6 and 2) so most of my time is spent scrambling to balance home, work, and fun. When I do have time for myself, I love trivia, painting, live music, and poker.
* If you would like to suggest a member to profile, please contact Kristin McGuine.