Contact Andy

How I got started: I suspect that most people come into the field of association management much the same way that people end up in forms – happenstance! While there are now a few universities with an association management curriculum, those who have followed that route would be rare. I am no exception. Ironically, it was the things I did for fun, while pursuing other studies that best prepared me for this work. I was always active in volunteer groups, working on programs and special events. For a period, I was involved in political campaigns. This is very much like association management: A group of volunteers gather together for a common purpose. Collectively, you develop strategies and projects to achieve your objectives, then through committed efforts work to attain your goals. It was through campaign involvement that I became aware of association management.

Current Professional Duties: I have been honored for the past seventeen years to serve as BFMA’s Executive Director. Throughout that time, I have gotten to know and work with an incredible group of talented and committed members – both at the international board and local levels. With our current dedicated leadership and a talented staff, I am looking forward to the future.

BFMA’s Potential Growth: Technology and the web are creating new opportunities to provide services and products for our members. This opens new avenues for communication and information sharing. It also enables us to provide immediate tools and benefits for members around the globe. Our challenge is to increase the awareness of BFMA, the incredible reservoir of knowledge possessed by the membership, and the willingness to share that knowledge, to others who are laboring in the form systems field.

Most Fun Part of BFMA. Much of what BFMA can accomplish is only through the volunteer efforts of our members. Knowing that this is often a great sacrifice of personal and family time, it is exciting to work with people who are so deeply committed. BFMA’s tradition is to work hard and play hard when the work is done. Both are fun, particularly seeing the results of the effort bear fruit.

Passionate About: With two teenage boys, most of my free time tends to revolve around the family. It is a joy (frustrating at times) to watch them grow. I also enjoy working in our yard and garden. It’s a great break from deskwork and you can see immediate results. But truth be told, if I had the time I would play more golf. I know I can play the game. I just don’t have the scorecard to prove it.

Personal Statement. “I hope that we can continue to develop BFMA as a dynamic and useful resource for our members. If we can help you to find the information you need, solve the problems that confront you, and perform your work more effectively and efficiently, perhaps we can give back to you the precious gift of time.”