EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR UPDATE The DFI Team A s the leadership of DFI’s board transi- tions with a new president and new officers, it seemed appropriate that I found myself reading an article in a trade maga- zine, Associations Now, titled “Association CEOs: What I Wish I’d Known.” It highlights five association leaders who shared lessons learned over their long careers because as we all know hindsight is 20/20 and sharing that knowledge with up and coming leaders will hopefully save the newcomers from having to figure it out on their own … well, maybe ... importance of teamwork, of hiring the right people to fill the roles required to meet the members’ needs. She explained how in the early stages of her career she thought she had to know everything about every aspect of the organization and be involved in every project and every activity. It almost caused her to burn out early in her career, and it was that realization that taught her to develop her team and trust that team to get the job done. Theresa Engler Executive Director [email protected] expertise in their role and willingness to go above and L to R: Bert Nance, KC Christie, Lisa Rayment, Katie Scully, Angie Gibble, Maureen Mandel, Marlo Pontes, Emilio Fandino, Theresa Engler, Lauren Nance; top right: Mary Ellen Large and Carol Planitzer; bottom right: Alexandra Damon One spoke of the importance of networking with other association CEOs to build a support group of people who provide different perspectives and are willing to share their experience. Another wished he had known how important it is to understand all areas of his association, even the not so exciting parts, in order to be well-rounded and understanding of the challenges faced by his staff. The third learned to listen more and talk less so he could gather as much information as possible before making decisions, and the fourth realized her main goal should be to provide the benefit of community to her members, which is much more important than the tangible benefits. These all rung true to me and fit into my experience over the last 13 years of being DFI executive director, but it was the fifth that really hit home for me — the I’m happy to say that I learned that lesson along the way and have a fantastic team at DFI. Some are very visible to the membership while others are in the background; however, all play a vital role in keeping everything running smoothly in support of the varied needs of the board, committees and volunteers. Those you’re likely familiar with, especially if you serve on a technical committee or attend DFI events, are Mary Ellen Large, P.E., D.GE, director of technical activities, and our events specialists, Lauren Nance, CMP- Designate, and Angie Gibble, led by Maureen Mandel, director of programs. If you’re on the DFI or DFI Educational Trust boards you know Emilio Fandino, J.D., director of administration. But there are others who you may have never met or only spoken with on the phone or corresponded with via email. They all make my job easier thanks to their beyond during our busiest times, which more and more seems to be each and every day thanks to the active and engaged members. I’d like to take this space to recognize them and ensure you know their names and realize everything DFI does could not happen without them. Al exandr a Damon, ma rke t ing communications manager, who handles our social media sites and e-newsletters, keeping members and the industry informed; KC Christie, database and membership coordinator, who will greet you with a smile in her voice and do her utmost to ensure your information is accurate and your questions are answered; Lisa Rayment and her assistant, Marlo Pontes, in the accounting department, keeping track of the funds and ensuring accuracy; Carol Planitzer, administrative assistant to Mary Ellen, helping her with the increasing number of committee projects; Katie Scully, meetings and events coordinator, who has joined recently to support Maureen, Lauren and Angie with the many seminars, conferences and fundraising events held each year; and Bert Nance, publications and shipping services (and yes he’s Lauren’s husband). This growing team is a powerhouse of knowledge, dedication and efficiency, and I’m proud to work alongside them to bring DFI members the best experience we can. As Andrew Carnegie said, “No man will make a great leader who wants to do it all himself or to get all the credit for doing it.” It is my honor to lead this team and share with them the credit for continuing to grow and improve, alongside the volunteers, this wonderful community that is DFI. DEEP FOUNDATIONS • JAN/FEB 2019 • 9
