What were your primary goals as chair of the PCMA Foundation?
The primary goal was fundamentally to grow and accelerate fundraising, not only through our existing programs but also by considering additional programs.
Second was to continue the focus on Ride With the Foundation. The ride we’re offering this year is a pretty incredible opportunity to go to the Formula 1 race in Singapore, with accommodations at the Marina Bay Sands, which is a spectacular hotel, and airfare for two in a premium category.
Our third goal was to bring home the personal and emotional stories showing the Foundation’s impact on the industry and, more importantly, on the individuals who have received grants or scholarships through the Foundation.
And the fourth goal has been continued growth of our Legacy Society. We have grown to 107 members and started an effort in Canada to grow the Legacy Society. I think that it is an important issue because it’s about the long-term impact that we can have through the Foundation’s initiatives.
What were your other priorities?
To bring event design to life in our face-to-face board meetings and to engage the board in meaningful and strategic dialogue versus “report-outs.” I also wanted to gain the involvement of PCMA and the Foundation in the fight against human trafficking.
How do you feel the foundation is positioned moving forward in 2019 and beyond?
Thanks to the efforts of the dedicated and passionate trustees, the Foundation is ideally positioned for long-term sustainable growth. It’s a very healthy organization.
Why is it important for you to be involved as a volunteer leader for PCMA?
I think it’s the responsibility as members of this industry to find ways to get involved and to give back. It’s about helping grow future leaders for the industry and to insure that the events industry continues to thrive as one of the key drivers of the world’s economy and social progress.