When Nancy Elder, CAE, director of meetings and industry relations at the American Society for Microbiology, takes the reins as 2008 Chair of the PCMA Board of Directors, she brings with her 29 years of association management experience. Elder, 53, is known for her diplomacy, ability to develop and implement strategic plans, sound problem analysis and solutions, appropriate decisiveness and good judgment, and skills in conflict resolution and negotiations.

Who has had the biggest influence on your life?
I don't have a single person; there are so many people who have been influential. I suppose those who have had the most influence tend to be problem solvers or people who are quite positive about life and living. They are people who tackle challenges. I learn from them, their thinking processes.

What is your proudest accomplishment?
I can see accomplishments in almost anything, from having a good cup of coffee in the morning to a great round of golf to adopting a new kitten. Everything is an accomplishment. I try to look at life that way. Even when things go awry, the way you fix the problem is an accomplishment.

When did you start playing golf?
My father taught me to play when I was growing up in Indonesia in the 1960s. He was an avid golfer. When I came back to the States in 1968, I stopped playing. I picked it back up again when I had been in the business for quite some time and played periodically in some of the industry tournaments and events. I realized just how much I loved it. So I took it up in earnest at 46, seven years ago. In the summer, I try to play three times a week. It is a great sport to play by yourself or as part of a team. One of the most wonderful parts of the sport is being outdoors. Not only do I relish the nice days but I also play in the rain and cold.

Can you tell me about growing up in Indonesia?
I am originally from Teaneck, N.J. When I was three, we moved to East Brunswick. My father was with Esso, Standard Oil in New York and he was transferred to Indonesia. We traveled extensively to and from Indonesia, but lived on the island of Sumatra. We attended both an American school in Jakarta, to which we traveled from Sumatra in an old DC-3, and a company school accessed via bumpy roads in two open-window buses and a boat across the Musi River. There were no movies, restaurants, shopping, or other activities other American young people were experiencing during that time. So we had an interesting return to the United States where as a new high-school student I had a lot to learn about being an American teenager.

What are the challenges that keep you up at night?
Time is the biggest thing. How to fit everything in.

What attributes and/or qualities have you developed that have helped you become successful?
I believe both diplomacy and flexibility have helped me be successful in my business and management endeavors. I try to listen and focus while someone is speaking, but must admit if I am dealing with a problem my mind begins to think of solution options fairly quickly. I am solution-oriented and encourage participation, engaging others in problem-solving. I have a tremendous respect for quality and quality control as well.

How do you define success?
Success results from challenges. There is nothing like the feeling of working through problems, on your own or with your team, and coming to a positive final outcome because of the decisions you made.

What is the one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
In high school, my sister and I had a newspaper route. We delivered the Washington Post. I still remember collecting the money every month.

Where did you go to college?
I attended the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg. Taking leadership roles in student government, I loved going to school there and it has a special place in my memory.

Summer jobs included driving tour trains and conducting tours through the National Zoo in Washington and working at Mt. Vernon.

How did you get started in the field of meeting planning?
I was a political science major at William and Mary and did not know that such an industry as hospitality or meeting planning existed. Returning to Washington, D.C. after graduation, I had hoped to work on the Hill. While awaiting a positive outcome for such a position, I took a job at the Sheraton Carlton at 16th and K Streets in D.C. where I handled front desk and reservation activities. I met Rose Narva, the general manager, who introduced me to the hospitality business. She was devoted to managing her hotel with gracious excellence and I began to believe there was a place for me in the business. I became manager of the Carlton Executive Club and started to acquire people management skills. The job seemed to require those skills and talents that were my strengths - diplomacy, problem solving, and flexibility.

Locating a professional meeting planning position in the Washington Post ads, I was offered an entry-level position at the American Chemical Society in 1979. This was a tremendous organization with which to work and it offered continuous growth opportunities. I have many mentors to thank over the 11 years I was there. The opportunity to "run my own shop" was provided at the American Society for Training and Development, where I started out in 1990 as director of meetings. Another great experience, I learned additional skills from the membership of this organization who are trainers and HR managers.

I did, however, want to return to a medical or scientific society and also manage other components of meetings including education, professional development, exhibits, and industry relations. I found this combination in the position at the American Society for Microbiology where I began in 1996. In fact, my first day was January 2 of that year, just as a huge snowstorm hit D.C. The snow was there for two weeks! My staff has doubled in the 12 years I have been there, as have the responsibilities. I currently have an $18 million budget and 20 on my staff. The organization is thriving and there are continuous opportunities for new product development and new business options for engaging new customers and members.

How do you create a team mentality?
Both individual and group acknowledgement rewards are important. I have a regular fun award called a "WAGI." It stands for "What a Great Idea." Those with great ideas are presented a little stuffed dog, with a tail that wags, of course! And with my team there are many, many great ideas. The energy level for improving processes, saving costs, or helping colleagues with solution options is amazing. I am fortunate to have such a wonderful group.

Andrea Doyle is Convene's senior writer.