In early December I attended a couple of great leadership conferences. The first was the AIA Large states conference. The 8 largest states by AIA membership come together to discuss issues that can be more easily prioritized and forwarded to the AIA National leadership. The second was Catalyst University a regional leadership conference held in Kalamazoo annually. This year’s event was held as an all live but virtual event. The speakers included Jon Acuff, Patrick Lenzioni and Tom Izzo.

There was a consistent theme that emerged from the two conferences. Thinking and making decisions for the long term allows three important characteristics to become strengths: endurance, flexibility and compassion. Read More

As we come to the close of 2020 – it has been a time for me to reflect on these past two years as your Associate Director. From my first national meeting with the National Associates Committee almost two years ago in Puerto Rico, to Mid-Summer Conference in Mackinac, through COVID and onto our last board meeting earlier this month – it has been an exceptional experience. I have enjoyed getting to meet many of you from across the state, creating connections with a range of young professionals across the country, and most importantly, enjoying the lasting friendships that I have been fortunate enough to build within our professional community. Read More

Check back next month!