Over the past 25 years I have interviewed hundreds of people. During that time I have been involved in filling more jobs than I could count. One of the most gratifying searches to fill a position recently happened. I had the honor and privilege of being on the MRA CEO search committee along with Merrill Shugoll and co-chairs Colleen Moore-Mezler and Steve Schlesinger.
The process was very thorough. We met some terrific and very qualified candidates.
One of the most impressive candidates was David Almy. I personally enjoyed getting to know him and found David to be professional, articulate, had a great thought process and most important has tremendous PASSION!
Recently I had the chance to spend an hour with David one-on-one and came away more impressed than I was during the interviewing process.
He is a very quick learner, asks the right questions and will make well informed decisions.
A few things the press release won’t mention about David:
- He was born in Japan
- Played baseball as a kid
- Loved the Phillies and Dodgers growing up
- Loves pecan pie
- Collects cars and owns 5 right now
- Has a passion for politics, marketing and aviation
- Favorite vacation spot is East Hampton
- Likes to take pictures
Last week David was announced the new CEO of the MRA and I for one am very excited about his arrival. I hope you get a chance to speak to him and share my excitement!
So how about it – how about a big heartfelt welcome for David!
- Any questions you have for David?
- Anything you want David to be aware of?
- Any events you want to invite David to be part of?
- Any comments you want to make?
I know David looks forward to hearing from all of you!
steve says:
Welcome David to the MRA family!
It has been great to get to know you a bit during the interview process. We were incredibly impressed with your intellect, strategic thinking and vision. I for one am excited for the future of the MRA and the energy and leadership that you will bring to the position of the CEO of this association.
Have fun with the staff and members, never stop asking questions of any of us and continue to challenge all of us to stretch and achieve greatness. I can’t wait to see where we are in the next year or two.
Colleen Mezler says:
Welcome to MRA, David Almy!!!!!!!!!!
This is the most exciting time in MRA’s history. With David Almy at the head of our association, the possibilities are endless.
The future is bright, I can’t wait to watch the MRA continue to grow and prosper.
Lori Kolde says:
Welcome David! I had the pleasure of a 5-10 minute conversation with David at the MRA AC expo. He is warm, friendly and very welcoming!! Congratuations!
Fee Sepahi says:
Welcome David!
It was a pleasure meeting you at the MRA Annual Conference in Boston and I look forward to seeing your plans and vision for this organization we all hold so dear.
All the best and if I can be of any help to you, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Regards,
Fee
Ed Sugar says:
Welcome David -
It was nice to meet you in Boston.
We are looking forward to many changes and a bold direction for this association and the profession.
Go Dodgers!
Kim Larson says:
David is going to be a tremendous asset to MRA. David is personable and approachable. He is a fantastic marketer and a quick learner. I am very excited for the future of MRA with David at the helm.
Kevin Lonnie says:
I will echo the comments already made. This is a very exciting, albeit challenging time for the MRA and the search committee did a fantastic job in finding a candidate as talented as David.
Now the fun starts!
Elisa Galloway, Galloway Research says:
Thank you Merrill, We are all very excited to have David on our team. As the newly installed President to MRA ( David and I share a similar start date !) , both David and I are energized and ready to be leading the MRA during this fast paced time of change.
This past year the MRA strategically worked hard to change and modify to be an organization of the future. With David in the pilots seat (his love) – MRA will not only continue to improve on it’s current core deliverables BUT will push beyond our “past boundaries”. David brings to the organization the talent and professional expertise needed for such change.
I’ll add a few more nuggets of info on David.
Has two children – both boys. His oldest son just graduated from HS and David and his wife Monique will be taking him to college this summer. He lives in DC (born and raised in the area) , where his wife is a lawyer. David will be commuting to CT. MRA has an office in the DC area he will on occasion work from.
Please do reach out to David at the MRA headquarters at david.almy@mra-net.org . I can also be reached at egalloway@gallowayresearch.com We’d love to hear from you!
Again thank you to the Search Cmmt – led by Colleen Moore Mezler and Steve Schlesinger. An incredible effort with wonderful results!
Merrill Shugoll says:
Welcome to the MRA David. We are thrilled that you chose to help our profession reach new heights. Together, with hard work and passion, we will create new opportunities for our members.
I also want to congratulate you for not only surviving, but making a great impression at your first Annual Conference. My only advice is to get used to the “hugging.” We are a warm, friendly group. Before long, you will feel like you found a whole new family:)
David Almy says:
Wow!
Merrill, everyone — I certainly do have to get used to the “hugging,” whether in person or online! Thanks for all the warm comments.
I’m excited about the challenges and the future of MRA. What a great and remarkably talented community! MRA represents an exciting, growing profession because of the competitive advantage it provides to progressive companies. It is a tremendous honor for me to have been selected to be an advocate for the industry. Exciting times ahead!
Please contact me at any time with suggestions, criticisms or requests. I will need your help and contributions to truly succeed and look forward to hearing from you.
With best regards,
David
Scott Baker says:
Welcome aboard David! It was nice meeting you at the Annual Conference in Boston. We all look forward to future involvement with you in the years to come… You’ve joined a wonderful organization!
janet says:
What an impressive job the search committee did. They really found a top notch leader in David Almy.
It was great getting to know you in Boston, David. I have SUCH high hopes for the Board and the MRA this year and for many years to come. It was amazing how much you learned and understood about us in such a short time. I am full of confidence!!
Melanie Courtright says:
Welcome to the family, David. It was great to meet you in Boston and hear you speak at the member session. You’re excitement and passion were evident, and I can’t wait to watch you roll your sleeves up and take us to the next level. You’ve joined us at a great time, because opportunities are everywhere, and you’re surrounded by people who absolutely love the industry at large and specifically the MRA, and will do everything in our power to help.
melissa pepper says:
I’d like to add my welcome to the chorus. David did his homework, taking the initiative to talk with chapter leaders during his interviewing process. And, in Boston, he continued to reach out to our members. We are lucky to add him to our team.
Christing Cook says:
Welcome David. It was a pleasure meeting you in Boston. I remain excited to be a part of MRA and this amazing group. I have no doubt you will lead us well. Welcome aboard.
Ken Roberts says:
I have had the pleasure of working closely with David for a bit over a month. Based on that experience, I know we have the right guy. Search committee – thanks for bringing him to us. David – welcome to the family.
Debby Schlesinger-Hellman says:
Welcome David-
I feel very fortunate to be on the National MRA board and have the opportunity to work with you in this coming year.
We have our work cut out for us, but I am optimistic that we will forge ahead and guide the MRA well into the coming year.
Looking forward to many conversations and events together.
Dan Womack says:
Welcome David– Enjoyed meeting you in Boston and looking forward to working with you. I’m not a native Georgian, but can vouch for the pecan pie here. Let me know when you’re in the area and we’ll grab some.
Vaughn Mordecai says:
David – Welcome to the best Market Research Association…in the WORLD. It was very good meeting you in Boston and I look forward to getting to know you better in the future. It’s obvious that a lot of MR’ers are really cheering you on and are willing and ready to help wherever needed. The best is yet to come with the MRA. Here’s looking forward to great things…you’re going to do an excellent job.
Sean J Jordan says:
Welcome, David!
One of these days, I should get around to joining MRA… sounds like you guys are moving ever forward!
Jon Last says:
Not much more to add beyond echoing everyone’s enthusiasm for the energy, thoughtfulness and marketing savvy that David brings to MRA. As the other member of the search committee and MRA exec board/selection committee, I have also had the pleasure to interview David and spend some significant one-on-one time both before and at the Boston conference. He was the overwhelming top choice, and he shares the vision reflected by so many of the recent and current leaders of the association. I look forward to seeing David and his team take the MRA to new heights.
Joanne Robbibaro says:
Hi David,
Welcome to the MRA! We are thrilled to have you as a part of the team and look forward to your success.
Joanne Robbibaro
Ellen Gregory says:
Welcome David,
As a long time MRA member, and Past President, I look forward to the opportunity to meet you. From the posts here, you certainly have impressed those who you have met so far! Please let me know if I can be of any assistance to you or your staff.
Tara Miller says:
Welcome David! It was really good to meet you in Boston. I look forward to seeing the changes you will implement and the future success of MRA.
Brad Larson says:
Welcome to the MRA David!
It was great meeting with you during the conference and hearing your thoughts about how we will make our future conferences better and how we will move the MRA forward.
I look forward to working with you.