EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S COLUMN (SPRING 2008) -- MOVING FORWARD WITH THE MSUAA

By Stella Cash

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S COLUMN (Spring 2008)

MOVING FORWARD WITH THE MSUAA

By Stella Cash, M.S. ’80
Acting Executive Director

It is an honor to be serving you as the Acting Executive Director of your alumni association. In mid-December, President Simon appointed me to this position while a national search for the executive director is being conducted. A search committee has been appointed and the search firm has been selected.
   Before I make additional comments, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Bill Beekman for his leadership during the past 18 months as the Executive Director of the Association and to congratulate him on his new appointment as Executive Assistant to the President and Secretary to the Board of Trustees. Bill brought many positive changes to the Association that will have a long term effect on its growth and future endeavors.
   In accepting the appointment to this position, I reflected on my experiences during the past few years as I became involved with the national board and later assumed the leadership of the Board. This experience afforded me the opportunity to get to know many exceptional Spartans. It also gave me a sound perspective of how a strong board can be an advocate for the University and can help set policy for the direction of the Association.
   In my new role, I have quickly gained appreciation for what it takes to move the Association forward based on the strategic plan developed and approved by the Board. I must first give credit to the staff……new and seasoned. They have welcomed me and are committed to moving the Association forward in synch with my leadership style. So what is it like in the office? The basis of my leadership is that we are a business with one thing to sell….SERVICE….Using the strategic plan, we are focusing on 1. Membership, 2. Providing service to members, prospective members, and units across campus; 3. Increasing sponsorship and ad revenue; and 4. Assessing our IT capabilities and needs. We continue to foster and expand relationships across campus!
   We have three new staff since the first of the year. Dan DiMaggio, who will advise the Student Alumni Foundation; David Isbell, who will focus on career services; and Laurie Robison, whose position is marketing and membership. We are also partnering with International Studies for an international alumni relations position.
   Launched in January, we have a new leadership tool box which will serve as a resource for all of our volunteer leaders. This project has become a reality because of the hard work between the national board leadership committee, chaired by Phil Kuhn and MSUAA director of alumni relations, Kim Kittleman.
   There are several new initiatives on the horizon. One is the development of a Legacy Program for our young Spartans. Just think how exciting it would be for your child or grandchild to receive a birthday card each year from Sparty….and that is just the beginning….more to come very soon!
   We have come a long way as an Association. The efforts of every volunteer, the Board of Directors, each Academic Association Director and MSUAA staff are essential to move your Association into the realm of a more dynamic organization. As always, give me a call 517-432-1690 or email me at shcash@msu.edu. It is always a thrill to hear from a Spartan!
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