Kim Weitzel, Heart of America GCSA executive
director
 Tell us a little bit about your background. Where were you born, raised, etc?
I was born in Princeton, N.J. and raised in Olathe, Kan. I’ve also lived in North Carolina and Ohio for short periods of time, but was too home sick and returned to Kansas in 2000. I attended Emporia State University and most of my career has been in the telecommunication industry.
How did you get started with the Heart of America
GCSA (HAGCSA)?
I fell into this job, like most people in the
association management field. I was offered a
position with an association management company, The
SouthWestern Association, to work in their multi-management division
which manages nine different associations (from Direct Marketing,
Heavy Equipment Dealers, Electricians to the Golf Course
Superintendents). I started by assisting other Executive
Directors and was given the opportunity early-on to manage
the Heart of America GCSA and a Direct Marketing Association. My
first year was challenging, but I enjoyed learning
a new field. I’m still fairly new (compared to
other Executive Directors) but proud to be serving HAGCSA
for the past four years and I still enjoy learning
something new each day.
What is your favorite program or service offered
by the HAGCSA?
My favorite program offered by HAGCSA is the Heartland
Green Industry Expo. Three years ago HAGCSA was looking
for more exposure and expanded their conference and trade
show by joining forces with an area sports turf association
(MoTOC) and a regional landscaping association
(MAGICouncil). All three associations have the same goals
and concern with turf in their related fields. This “COMMON
GROUND” Conference and Trade Show brings HAGCSA members’
exposure to nationally known speakers, allows our vendors
exposure to three associations and the networking is most
beneficial. HAGCSA’s conference has grown from 25
exhibitors and 100 attendees, to 70 exhibitors and 600 attendees. This
collaboration has been a great success and we look forward
to welcoming other associations to join us in the future.
What do you consider the biggest challenge in association
management?
My biggest challenge in association management is
TIME! Being with a multi-management association company,
I have to balance my time between several associations throughout
each week. I’ve learned to be very organized and
lists are key.
Anything else you would like to share about yourself?
I just got married in November, 2007 and
have a wonderful 12 year old step-son. My interests
are photography, scrapbooking, church, and spending time
with my family.
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