 Tell us a little bit about your background.
I was raised in Colorado. I attended Mesa University and received a B.A. in Criminal Justice and Political Science. I am also a graduate of the US Chamber of Commerce School of Association Management at the University of Oklahoma.
I worked for a small association management company as a lobbyist. About the time I was getting burned out as a lobbyist, another association management company went up for sale. I purchased it, and Interactive Management, Inc. (IMI) was created.
I am a retired high school football coach from Denver North High School where I was head coach in the 90’s. I have now stepped over to the other side and am an official for high school football. In the spring and summer, I coach an 11-year-old competitive baseball team.
I have been married to my wife Julie for 17 years. We have two children – Elizabeth, 14, and Matthew, 11. We live in Westminster, Colo.
How did you get started with the Rocky Mountain GCSA?
I am the owner of Interactive Management, Inc. (IMI), an association management company. The Rocky Mountain GCSA (RMGCSA) submitted a request for proposals for executive services to IMI in 2003. After interviewing IMI, it was selected as the management company for the RMGCSA.
What is your favorite Rocky Mountain GCSA program or service?
My favorite service that RMGCSA offers would be our website. The website is a one-stop shop for current members as well as potential members. This site also serves as the association’s database which makes it easy for current members to update information and new members to join and be up and running on the same day. Members are also able sign up for meetings, golf outings, employment referral service and join in on our discussion board.
The RMGCSA has been successful in recruiting leaders to serve on their board and committees. What do you look for in a potential leader? Any tips you can share with other chapters?
In board members and committee members I look for someone passionate about the industry and the association. A person that attends meetings, wants to be involved in any and all educational opportunities, and is good at time management can be a strong leader. It’s also important to find someone who is honest about how much time he or she can commit to the association and is able to look towards the future. If you have these qualities in place, the leadership part comes easy.
As the current chair of the GCSAA Chapter Executives Task Group, you will be facilitating a discussion on training and educational needs and support to help chapter executives become professional leaders of their associations. Why do you think this is so critical?
What I am seeing now more than ever is volunteers are giving less of their time to associations. More of the work and leadership is falling on the executive management team. For these chapters to survive, they need strong association management leadership. It’s an important conversation.
Share your stories by emailing them to Leann Cooper.
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