Dallas Fort Worth Association Executives
2023-2024 Board of Directors PDF Print Email
Friday, August 18, 2023 06:50 PM

Leadership - Board of Directors

DFWAE operates similarly to members of your own association in that we can accomplish more as a group than we can individually. We all gain from your achievement.

We are an organization that association managers established to concentrate on problems that directly affect them. Because these issues are also yours to contend with, DFWAE is here to serve you.  Members who contribute their time as DFWAE leaders do so in order to provide a vision and direction for the organization's benefits and services.

If you're interested in serving in a leadership capacity, let us know by email, or feel free to contact any of our Board members
(listed below) or Committee Chairs for more information.

Please login and use the Member Directory to contact DFWAE Board members.

 
Board Nominations & Committee Service Open PDF Print Email
Thursday, March 30, 2023 12:11 PM

Nominate Yourself for Board Service

The leaders in DFWAE are members that volunteer their time to offer a vision and guidance for the direction of DFWAE benefits and offerings. Serving on the DFWAE Board can help build your resume, leadership experience, and professional network while allowing you to donate your time to a worthy cause. 

COMPLETE BOARD INTEREST FORM 

Or do you have someone else in mind you feel would make an excellent candidate? Nominations are open to all, so we welcome you to invite your colleagues, friends, and peers to apply. Simply forward this email to them along with some words of encouragement. 

Nominations are due April 7

2024-2025 Call for Committee Volunteers

Not ready to make the leap to serve on the Board of Directors? That’s OK! There are plenty of opportunities to get more involved with the DFWAE. Volunteer your service by joining a committee that best suits your skill set. Learn more about DFWAE Committees here.

To apply for a DFWAE Committee, COMPLETE VOLUNTEER INTEREST FORM by April 7.

 
Meet Kristine Metter PDF Print Email
Friday, March 04, 2022 03:41 PM

Meet Kristine Metter, DFWAE’s Association Day Keynote Speaker

We’re looking forward to seeing you at A-Day on April 25! We thought it would be fun to check in with Kristine Metter, our keynote speaker, on what she will be addressing during her presentation. She gives us a preview below. If you’re interested in being a part of Metter’s keynote, there is a call for information below. Be sure to check out everything, and more importantly, plan to join us to hear her in person by coming to A-Day!

DFWAE: Kristine, we're looking forward to your keynote presentation at Association Day on April 25! We know you have 30 years of experience working with associations and nonprofits. How has your experience helped you adapt to all of the changes you've seen for associations since the pandemic?

Kristine Metter: Over the years, I worked for a variety of professional societies and trade associations, providing leadership for membership development, event strategy, governance, and non-dues revenue. That broad background has enabled me to see how effective associations operate on a daily basis. 

While that background provided a strong foundation, what really prepared me for the disruption of the last two years was my practice of foresight and futures-thinking, which includes constantly scanning the environment and listening for weak signals that you then synthesize and interpret for your situation. By looking at multiple possible scenarios and preparing contingency plans, you are better equipped to adapt to unexpected events. 

When you combine foresight with a mission focus and an agile mindset, you are in a terrific position to think broadly about who you serve and how you can meet your constituents’ evolving needs. That powerful combination provides you with the tools to go beyond surviving to thriving. 

DFWAE: It may be easy for association professionals to get discouraged because this is certainly a tough climate to deliver value with some of the challenges you'll be speaking about in your keynote (Great Resignation, generational expectations, etc.) What do you hope to accomplish through your keynote that will set up association professionals – representing all departments – for success?

Kristine Metter: You are right that this can be a discouraging time. We are all tired and struggling to maintain our resilience. It is clear that member and constituent needs are different today than they were two years ago. Members increasingly are demanding a higher return on their investment (both dollars and time).

When we gather together on April 25, I plan to provide insights into why adopting a foresight mindset helps associations make better future-oriented decisions today and encourage everyone to embed the practice throughout their association. 

We’ll explore the fundamentals of foresight and provide a framework for why foresight is a leadership competency. We’ll then apply these principles by looking at change scenarios and the related consequences – both expected and unexpected – that could impact how you run your association as well as implications for your members’ professions and industries. 

I want to acknowledge to everyone that change is hard. I get that. We have an innate resistance to change and innovation, but we can drive through that barrier with small steps and patience and persistence. In time, the practice of foresight and futures-thinking will become more comfortable and natural. This opening keynote will provide you with fresh ideas and perspectives that you can carry through the rest of the day and into the coming weeks and months.

DFWAE: For those who are on the fence about attending Association Day and hearing your address, what would you like to share with them about why they need to be at the Irving Convention Center on April 25?

Kristine Metter: Now is an important time for association professionals to share what they’ve learned over the past two years. New norms and best practices are emerging every day. We’re all experimenting, testing, and adapting. By leaning on each other, we can all rise together to serve our members and constituents better.

I look forward to meeting association professionals from across the Dallas metropolitan area and hearing how you are innovating and thriving. And while we’re talking about experiences, I’m seeking real life situations of how you used foresight, scenario planning, or contingency plans to help you through disruption. If you have an experience to share, please contact me at [email protected].

DFWAE: Anything else you'd like to share or add that attendees should keep in mind prior to hearing your address? Any prep or thought work they need to do?

Kristine Metter: One common misperception about foresight and futures thinking is that it is about predictions. Rather, it is about forecasts and includes some uncertainty. Foresight looks at multiple possible futures, connects the dots, and enables you to take steps today to drive your organization toward a preferred future. 

The University of Houston offers a foresight certificate program. They define foresight as “the multi-disciplinary study of change and its implications in the context of the future. It synthesizes insights from a wide variety of fields including economics, engineering, sociology, politics, systems theory, creativity, community building, and so on. Foresight is not about predicting ‘THE’ future, but rather about uncovering a range of plausible alternative futures, and then identifying the indicators that suggest the various ways the future is unfolding.

Some of the most common uses of foresight in organizations are to help them come up with more creative and innovative offerings, to better understand and anticipate the future needs of their customers or clients, or to craft strategy. Foresight is also used in government agencies to develop policies and plans informed by a future perspective. Associations often study the future to help their member organizations anticipate and prepare for the future. We all have an interest in the future, so foresight is helpful across wide range of activities and institutions.”

For anyone who wants to see how foresight is being implemented in the association community, the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) has an evidence-based research initiative and related set of tools. Their ForesightWorks program includes a User’s Guide and a set of 50 drivers of change that include forecasts, data points, and strategic insights to guide association executives through a wide range of topics.

Register for Association Day
 
New Routines for the New Normal PDF Print Email
Wednesday, November 03, 2021 05:19 PM

New Routines for the New Normal

By Eme Augustini

Over the course of this pandemic, we’ve been forced to adapt in countless ways at home, work, and in our communities. While it’s been a difficult and painful time for so many of us, we’ve also discovered adaptations and new habits that are worth keeping.

Things like cooking at home, going for daily walks, and prioritizing time with friends and family. At work, we’ve had to change the way we communicate and stay in sync as a team. For this brief column, I’d like to offer a modest adaptation from my organization that we will keep in the “new normal:" asynchronous, weekly check-ins.

When we worked together in the office, it was easier to stay up to speed on what’s going on with co-workers and departments. We could stop and chat while making coffee or discuss projects while at lunch together. While it wasn’t structured, there was a tacit flow of information running through the office.

To continue the flow of information and help everyone feel they are in the loop, we needed to take deliberate action.

Here’s how it works: Each Monday morning in Microsoft Teams (though any collaboration software will do), each person on the team posts and answers some version of the question “What are you working on this week?” Other variants could be “What are your top priorities for this week?” or “What’s important this week?”

This could be a few lines about your intent for the work week. You could also note anything you’re looking forward to or areas you see potential roadblocks. Long to-do lists need not be shared.

Why it works: Weekly check-ins help create awareness of crunch times for projects and focus areas for the week. Colleagues can share forward motion on projects and keep everyone in the loop.

Creating more ongoing awareness of our focus areas also helped reshape our monthly staff meetings. We didn’t need to share as many status updates (as they were available in the Teams thread) and could focus on strategic questions, shared roadblocks, and learning and training.

What it’s not: An attempt to coordinate tasks on specific projects. Seeing a colleague mention a project for the week could prompt ideas, encouragement, and offers to help, which are great and welcome. However, detailed discussions and work on shared projects continues in their dedicated channels.

Also, this is not a way to monitor the performance of colleagues or see if someone is working on a specific task you requested. Don’t confuse brevity with level of effort. (You wouldn’t share a 50 item to-do list over coffee in the breakroom). One-on-ones, team meetings and project discussions still have their place.

This simple weekly practice has helped our team to stay connected and engaged. Even as we consider a safe return to the office, it’s a routine we’ll take with us.

Which adaptations will you consciously adopt as things return to “normal?” Share it with us in the DFWAEngage Forum.

 
 
The Season of In Between PDF Print Email
Sunday, October 03, 2021 05:26 PM

The Season of In Between

By Cathey Wise, CAE

I was the executive director of a thriving 19,000 member association.

Until I wasn’t. I served a noble mission for 7+ years.

Until I didn’t.

Association staff know we can be in a vulnerable position serving the will of ever-changing Boards. But when the Board wants to go in another direction and you are now looking for your next mission to serve, it’s a kick in the gut.

I’ve defined this career gap as the “season of in between.” It’s a time for reflection, introspection, and catching up.

It feels great and sucks a lot -- all at the same time.

Here are a few things that might be helpful if you face a similar season:

Identity

As professionals, we tend to align ourselves with our work and its noble mission. We find power in our work and it can define our personal identity. Is this a healthy perspective? Probably not. For me, it’s true nonetheless.

When I meet someone new, they ask, “What do you do?” I used to stumble and feel inadequate. Now I say, “I’m in the season of in between looking for a noble mission to serve.” Do I get puzzled looks? Yep! And, I use this as an opportunity to connect and network.

What’s Next?

Realizing what I WANT to do, as well as what I do NOT want to do has tremendous value. Make a list of what you do not want to do. It’s an anxiety-reducing exercise and can get you one step closer to what you want to do.

Feel It and Let it Go

When this happened to me, I allowed myself two days to lick my wounds. Why? If I did not set a limit, I may not have gotten out of bed. While I’m still obsessing over what ifs, I’m striving to look forward. This is a work in progress.

Faith

Strengthening my faith has been my foundation of this season. Slowing down, looking forward and looking up have kept me grounded and reduced my anxiety. I encourage you to connect with your higher power to provide peace and clarity.

Approach This Season Like A Job

Each day, I look for opportunities and connections. Set the alarm, get dressed and tackle the day!

Connect or Reconnect

Have you been planning to visit loved ones, but could not align a trip with your schedule? Plan almost-free trips. For us, we packed a car and headed to friends eager to host us in their homes. While we don’t have the financial confidence to hop on a plane, we are making the most of a few tanks of gas and free places to stay.

Dig deeper with your professional tribe to connect and grow. For me, DFWAE is where I’m making deeper connections. Maybe DFWAE could be for you too?

Projects and To-Do's

I finally cleaned the attic and decluttered our home resulting in a huge yard sale and many donated items. This felt GREAT and made me feel like I accomplished something.

Connect Your Interest with Learning

DEI is an area of interest where I want to grow. I’m exploring courses and certifications to align interests with professional learning. Be a student!

This Season Can Be More than Work

This “season of in between” transcends more than work. It can be transitions in personal relationships, young children, empty nesting, or caring for parents. Or loss brought on by COVID. This season can be unexpected or planned. While it can look different for each of us, it can pack a similar punch. Identify and name this season and what it means for you. It can help you move forward.

Self Care and Self Compassion are Not Just Buzzwords

I used to be an avid reader. I am now reading a book FOR LEISURE! I'm reading for joy and loving it! Be kind to yourself and make sure your self-talk is positive and productive. I’m mindful of my “self talk” to ensure a healthier mental space. Take care of yourself during this season, and let others take care of you too.

Confession

I’m still figuring it out. Some days I move forward and other days I stall. With that said, I am confident that my next opportunity will be fulfilling and my contributions will be valued. I want to maximize this season to better myself, to connect with my beloveds and to remind myself what’s really important.

I don’t wish any of you a season of in between. But if you find yourself in one, you will be OK and might even be stronger because of it. And I’m here as a new friend and someone you can talk to as we figure it out together.

Wanna talk? Hit me up on DFWAEngage!
 
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