Raising association's awareness a top priority
ASAE CEO John Graham IV, CAE, and new chairman Joe McGuire, CAE, look to continue an established relationship between volunteer leadership and staff.
McGuire, president of the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, Washington, said he does not have an issue to bring to the table this year, but rather, as ASAE chairman, wants to "continue to provide direction and resources" for the ASAE staff to further their work.
McGuire, who rose through the ranks of ASAE, said, "The nice thing is we always have a strategic discussion, and that happens at the board the level."
What can change in the role of chairman are the qualities and attributes that each chairman brings to the position, Graham said. For instance, McGuire is the first ASAE chairman in several years to come from a trade association, Graham said, noting that in recent years chairmen have come from professional societies, a charitable group and even a small AMC. This has brought a diversity to the "sense of direction and purpose" to the chairman role, Graham said.
One aspect both are committed to this year is raising awareness of ASAE and the association community. McGuire noted the effort he and ASAE secretary-treasurer Susan Neely, CAE, CEO, American Beverage Association, started last year to raise awareness among CEOs "of what ASAE is doing, particularly the Foundation."
Also, recent national issues affecting associations have given ASAE "the opportunity to talk about the Power of A" to legislators and administration staff, Graham said. Details: www.asaecenter.org.
