A year ago I remember feeling a little melancholy, a little emotional after the MRA conference in Chicago. Yes the conference was great, networking was fantastic and yes I even found time to get a burger at the Billy Goat tavern. The reason I was a little melancholy was that at the end of the conference I knew I wouldn’t be on the national MRA board anymore. After six years of sharing hours and days of board meetings with friends like Colleen Mezler Moore, Jon Last, Ed Sugar, Steve Schlesinger, Amy Shields, Kim Larson, Merrill Shugoll and many, many others I knew that those days were over and it was time for new leadership.
Being on an organizational board and representing the industry is one of the most important positions I have ever held. I always took it very seriously and was honored to represent the membership. Over the years I have been on a number of boards which has included:
- A.C.Nielsen Center
- American Marketing Association
- Baylor University
- University of Georgia
- University of Texas at Arlington
To me there is nothing like being around total strangers who share a common goal, join together on a board and accomplishing things — it’s a wonderful feeling!
- What boards have you been on or currently on?
- How was/is the experience?
- What advice would you give people who are thinking about joining a board?
- Was the experience as rewarding as you thought it would be?
I look forward to hearing your comments.
Paul Kirch says:
Though I’ve been involved with numerous National and International committees as a volunteer and I’ve been a member of non-industry boards, the market research industry related boards I served on as an officer were:
Greater Western Travel and Tourism Association
Puget Sound Research Forum
NorthWest Marketing Research Association
My experience with the last two on that list were incredible. Seattle has one of the most tight knit research communities, which are extremely loyal to the PSRF. I served on that board for 3 years and my final term was a President-Elect. That was the year I moved from Dallas to Seattle, so I wasn’t able to fill my role as President though I stayed involved as much as I could.
I’ve been a member of the NorthWest MRA board for several years, serving at Director level and eventually as President. I’m still on the board as a non-voting member as part of their Past President’s Advisory Council.
My involvement as a volunteer is something I’m proud of and it truly helped me have the career I do today. The boards are great, but my time as a volunteer is probably where I felt I got the best opportunity to connect and get to know others. In the end, I wouldn’t trade any of it and am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had.
Paul Kirch says:
By the way, I must be sleep deprived. I moved from Seattle to Dallas.
Sorry.
Merrill Dubrow says:
Paul,
I totally agree with you regarding the PSRF. I had the opportunity to present a number of times to that group and I was always amazed at the turnout, passion and dedication for the research industry.
Merrill
Stephenie Gordon says:
I served on the MRA – Southeast Chapter board for 5 years, maybe 6 years? I met a lot of great friends and industry contacts while serving; but i did find it quite challenging.
Our chapter covers 8 southern states, and we tried to pick board members throughout the 8 states so everyone was represented. Because of this we struggled to meet in person. Though, what we lacked in face to face time we made up in hilarious conference calls. I definitely miss hearing Todd Costello’s big fish stories, and Chanttel Allen’s New Orleans adventures.
However, despite the good company, overall the job was quite frustrating due to lack of attendance by our members. We worked very hard to pull together excellent programming and fun events; yet, we constantly received feedback that our members were just not interested in attending them.
It made the entire experience less than rewarding, but for some reason, i would do it all again if asked!
Fee Sepahi says:
Hi Merrill,
Though I truly consider myself a fledgling in the industry, I have had the opportunity to serve on the Philadelphia Chapter of the MRA Board for three years as well as the MRA National RIF Committee, for three years.
I will say that the experience provided me with knowledge and relationships that I know will last a lifetime. Volunteers on both levels were and are the kindest, most committed individuals I have ever been in community with. I feel that serving on any board, is for one, a fast track to in-depth education surpassed by none. Let alone the wealth of relationships and networking, that occurs.
I happened to be at the event you spoke of in Chicago, where so many of you great individuals served so generously. I was moved to tears by all of your commitments and the tangible results you all produced, over your tenure.
Suffice to say I aspire to learn from you all and follow in your tracks as we serve the organizations we are committed to, to help them grow and flourish.
Ed Sugar says:
I strongly urge anyone who wishes to improve their business acumen or elevate their professional career to get ACTIVELY involved as a board member for either a professional association or non-profit organization.
Since 1991 I have served as a board member for:
The Southern California Chapter of the American Marketing Association
The Los Angeles Valley College Patron’s Association and Foundation
The Greater Western Travel and Tourism Association
The Travel & Tourism Research Association
The Southern California Chapter of the Marketing Research Association
The Marketing Research Association
The Vestry of St. Michael’s and All Angels
The Marketing Research Institute International
These have been the some of the greatest learning experiences I have ever had. ,On many occasions I find myself sitting in awe as I realize that I am the “dumbest” person in the room and all I can do is absorb as much information from the intellectual capital sitting around the table. It is one of the sheer joys in life that should not be missed.
Merrill Dubrow says:
Ed,
I love YOUR comments and you are so right. I learned so much from all of the boards and associations that I have served. There is NO question in my mind that being involved and given something back to the industry has helped me in so many ways. If i wasn’t involved we wouldn’t have et and been great friends for 20 years. Being part of boards has helped me so much in growing as a professional.
Thanks for your comments.
Merrill
pbracken says:
This is a super question, Merrill. Agreed…. my participation on various Boards has been invaluable. I’ve learned so much but I have also been part of movements for positive change. What I enjoy most is the company I kept (and still keep!).
*Tampa AIDS Network (1988-93) I was part of a start-up, non-profit organization that made a distinct and meaningful impact in the Tampa Bay region.
*Florida Association for Women and Educators
*MRA Professional Development Work Group/Technically not a Board….. But goodness did I learn a lot and I met a lot of terrific folks! This committee, under the tutelage of Jon Last, Ed Sugar and Elisa Galloway, rocked! (This subcommittee served at the pleasure of the MRA Board.)
*Marketing Research Institute International
*Athens Area Master Gardeners
*Georgia Master Gardeners Association
*State Botanical Garden of Georgia
What advice would I give people who are thinking about joining a board?
You cannot take the organization’s mission lightly. Know the mission, know their vision and understand the short and long-term goals of the organization. Do your best to help the Board and overall organization achieve s-u-c-c-e-s-s. You cannot treat your affiliation like a social pastime….. There is usually much work to be done but the outcomes are rewarding and awesome!
Bob Duthie says:
I have been on numerous boards over the years both professional and social. I have enjoyed all but two. One was devoted strictly to fund raising for a disease cause. It was not a good fit for me since I don’t like asking for handouts. The other was an local advisory board where the national organization made all but the most trivial decisions. The boards I currently enjoy the most are Nashville AMA and Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennesse. Goodwill never asks for money just your lightly used stuff. Last year we sold $46M out of 33 stores and helped 11,000+ people get training, and get jobs.
Naomi Lenoci says:
Oh my where do I start. When I was in grammer shcool, our father and mother insisted that all 8 of us children “give something back” – life is not a free ride. We learned it could be doing something as nice as helping Grandma carry groceries or opening a door for someone.
So, that is how I got started in 4-H and took on leadership roles at an early age. By college, I was an officer in my sorority, then on to the Jaycettes, and served on a Board for a Pre-school. Little did I realize that when I moved to Streamwood that his would lead me to end up running for public office and serving as a volunteer for 22 years on the Streamwood Park District. I also served 4-1/2 years on the Illinois Association of Park Districts. These were invaluable lessons – that still foster my interest in open space and recreation for all ages. During this time I also joined the Streamwood Junior Woman’s Club and ending up receiving the State Award for Junior Clubwoman of the Year in 1981. I’m still in the organization although the name has changed to the Streamwood Woman’s Club and serve as President now. I learned how to run a meeting and observe Robert’s Rule of Order so each person gets time to express their ideas and embrace those that are not popular but valid points.
I had the great opportunity to work with the American Marketing Association for 11+ years and thoroughly enjoyed my time as the Director for the Professional Chapters. What great people I had the opportunity to meet – you were one of the first I got to work with! I still count it as one of my highlights in my life. You certainly set a good example of what a volunteer can do and also how much you give in time and energy!
I also currently serve on the Streamwood Park District Foundation and a member of the Streamwood Historical Society. I have met some incredible people and we only ask that you give what time and energy you can. I never got a fee bag of groceries but I have been rewarded with friendships that last for a lifetime!
women health says:
Though I’ve been involved with numerous National and International committees as a volunteer and I’ve been a member of non-industry boards, the market research industry related boards I served on as an officer were:
Greater Western Travel and Tourism Association
Puget Sound Research Forum
NorthWest Marketing Research Association
My experience with the last two on that list were incredible. Seattle has one of the most tight knit research communities, which are extremely loyal to the PSRF. I served on that board for 3 years and my final term was a President-Elect. That was the year I moved from Dallas to Seattle, so I wasn’t able to fill my role as President though I stayed involved as much as I could.
I’ve been a member of the NorthWest MRA board for several years, serving at Director level and eventually as President. I’m still on the board as a non-voting member as part of their Past President’s Advisory Council.
My involvement as a volunteer is something I’m proud of and it truly helped me have the career I do today. The boards are great, but my time as a volunteer is probably where I felt I got the best opportunity to connect and get to know others. In the end, I wouldn’t trade any of it and am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had.