I appreciate this vote of confidence from the MSBO Board of Directors. I am excited to be asked to serve as the next executive director.
I am also excited at the possibilities for the future of MSBO. While no one could ever really fill the void that will be created when a leader like Tom White retires, I look forward to continuing the long tradition of excellence he established. Tom has been a mentor to me, both when I was on the MSBO board and during my years on staff here at MSBO. Along with the great MSBO staff, I will strive to continue to build upon the sound foundation he has laid.
You might ask why I would want to follow an extremely successful leader like Tom; it certainly won’t be easy. My interest in taking on the challenge of leading MSBO is firmly rooted in my genuine desire to give back to an organization that is truly unique in the way its members provide support to each other. This role is all about the care and nurturing of an organization that, along with its members, strives to help improve the education of children through sound business practices.
I was introduced to MSBO when I first started working at Haslett Public Schools. I was impressed by the many ways MSBO supports new business officials and provides networking opportunities through regional groups and professional development. I soon became connected to other business officials and learned my way around the school business office.
Grateful for the support I was given, I took advantage of opportunities to give back to the organization, such as helping with the leadership of the Central Michigan SBO. It was not long before other opportunities came my way and I began speaking to groups on topics with which I could share my expertise. I took on additional leadership opportunities through the School Finance Services Committee and the MSBO Board of Directors. At every turn, I grew more impressed with both the organization and especially my fellow members. Finally, I made the tough decision to leave the comfort of a great district like Haslett to move to a position with MSBO where I could provide full time support to a much larger group of members.
In this new role, I will work diligently to help MSBO continue to grow and meet the needs of you, our members, for years to come. I look forward to working with Tom and the MSBO executive board leadership to develop a strategic transition plan over the coming months. The success of MSBO relies heavily on a staff empowered and motivated to perform each of our important jobs.
I want to again thank the MSBO Board of Directors for their confidence in me; I am both humbled and honored. Please join me in thanking Tom White for his many years of serving the membership of MSBO and being such an inspiring leader.