Donna Oser, CAE, Next President & CEO for MSAE

Twenty years ago, I found myself in quite a pickle. I'd been named chief staff executive of Michigan PTA shortly after the previous executive had decided to move the location of our annual conference but hadn't secured a new venue. The meeting was just a few months away, and I really didn't have a clue about associations or hotel contracts, or much of anything really. A supplier stopped by to introduce himself and offered to take me to lunch. I accepted - mainly because I was feeling overwhelmed and just needed someone to talk to. I'm quite sure he got an earful from me that day. Not only did he lend a much-needed listening ear, but he also gave me one piece of advice: call MSAE.
 

MSAE connected me to a community of association professionals and suppliers who have collectively given me support, advice, knowledge, proven practices, innovative ideas, the occasional reality check, inspiration, friendship, and so much more for two decades. Even when the association itself fell short of my expectations, the community never failed to deliver. The value I gained from this community is incalculable. 

My history with MSAE is the context for joining the organization as President & CEO, and most certainly fuels my passion for working with you and the Board of Directors to create the MSAE of the Future. What value will the MSAE of the Future deliver? How will participation in the association improve the lives of our members?  The strategic planning work that the Board of Directors began several months ago with stakeholder focus groups is on track for completion in mid-March. In the coming month, you will have opportunities for further input. We hope you will engage in those opportunities and help us to answer these critical questions. 

Together, as a community, we will lay the foundation for the MSAE of the Future.