Message from the Executive Director
First Day on the Job Fever and Taking the Grey out of Green
Do you remember your first day on the job? The heart thumping thrill of new surroundings, new projects and challenges? What a great feeling to envision the possibilities of a new career or role.
I’ll never forget the sage advice of Mr. Bill O’Keeffe, CEO of Symmons and PMI’s chairman when I was brought on board 10 years ago. After the months of interviewing (December to April), group evaluation sessions and finally a psychological examination, I bid a fond farewell to Raytheon and was ready to hit the ground running. And run I did! Having been on the “member” side of associations, I had a good appreciation for what needed to be fixed at PMI to regain relevance and add value back into the membership. The PMI Board had given me plenty of ammo; the results of member satisfaction surveys, the organization’s financial status (not good) and their blessing to do what needed to be done. I had a number of ideas that I was anxious to launch (including PMI News, which continues today). I targeted and prioritized what needed improvement and set out to formulate the “new” PMI. I began by visiting all of the members — an effort that took just over a year to complete. I learned first-hand the challenges members faced in the industry, what they expected of PMI and what needed to change to retain them as members. You’ve already read the account of building the organization from my kitchen table before we had an office or staff. Those early days flew by! But through the whirr of it all came a caution from Mr. O’Keeffe’s warning: “Don’t burn out!”
With all of that adrenaline, how was that even possible, I wondered?
To this day, a decade later, there has rarely been a slow moment here at PMI. Chairman O’Keeffe’s words have stayed with me and I understand what he meant! Even with all of the exciting opportunities and challenges presented to PMI over time, some of the “oomph” dissipates a bit (as the need for sleep creeps in).
There are countless ideas swirling around in my brain to enhance PMI’s presence, effectiveness and value to its members and the industry. But with a small staff and only 24 hours in a day, how can we get it all done? An invigorating but unrelenting travel schedule has kept me away from the office over much of the past 2 years. Strategic initiatives have, rightfully, taken me away from day-to-day administration and though the “think tank” time on the airplane is always welcome, this has put a burden on the staff who signed on at a different time and with a different set of expectations. The pressure on them has been enormous. As it turns out, PMI was and is going through a growth spurt; entering a new phase in our development, hence the frenzy.
Enter Shawn, Rashod, and John…
If you haven’t met these new recruits to PMI, you are in for a treat! The energy and professionalism of this trio is nothing less than infectious. The affect on me is a return back to those high (higher?) adrenaline days. (Some who know me would insist these days never left.) You’ve already seen Shawn Martin in action, and some of you have also been witness to the valuable efforts of Rashod Johnson, who has been signed on to provide technical support for PMI (story on page 5). Now meet John Hasemann our new Operations Director (story on page 4) and stand back! The impact and influence of our three amigos will be great!
We are entering a wonderful new chapter of PMI, fully aware of the contributions of all staff members that have served PMI over the years. We are embarking on a new level of strategic thinking and professionalism. Now that we have addressed the structural changes that needed to be made to improve the organization and have set a new direction for PMI, our mission is to expand our capabilities and reach. It is exhilarating to be at the helm of this organization with this talented and qualified new staff!
Being proactive is one dramatic area of change which we speak of frequently these days (as PMI President Rod Ward does on page 1). Rather than merely being stewards of the status quos, PMI is now leading change as we launch our new micro site, craft and support new legislation, and continue to reach out to like-minded groups to accomplish our goals.
Another important area for PMI as we move forward is that of GREEN. Our mission: to take the “grey” out of “green.” Green is everywhere these days. It seems to be the thing now to boast one’s green-ness. Green is good and PMI is wholly behind these efforts and in the case of California legislation on HETs/HEUs is actually ahead of them (again I refer you to Rod Ward’s page 1 story).
But a fair amount of confusion surrounds the definition of the term. There is a real need to clarify and define what it means to be “green.” Similarly, it was not long ago that the term “lite” came under scrutiny. Just was does that mean? (The classic use in my book was “lite” as applied to Hostess “Twinkies.” What does that mean exactly? 1/3 less lard? Creating just a twinge of angina?)*
Shawn’s article in this issue and several presentations at the Spring 2008 Meeting seek this important definition to take the grey out of green, continuing the effort which began at the Fall 2007 Meeting with the sustainability forum discussion.
And speaking of grey, PMI will also address this topic during the special Wednesday session. Don’t miss it! As with “green” there is a need to clarify and define the term “grey” as in “greywater.”
*Note: I love Twinkies, by the way, ranking second only to Krispy Kreme doughnuts.I have a “tiramisu” recipe that calls for Twinkies as the base. (Drives my Italian gourmet friends absolutely nuts. “Tiramisu is NOT made with Twinkies!”)