Chris Jahn, CEO, The Fertilizer Institute
Hometown: Casper, WY
Favorite Vacation Spot: Hawaii
Power Lunch Spot: Charlie Palmer Steak
In a sentence or two, what was your career path to becoming a CEO? I worked on Capitol Hill for nearly 10 years in a variety roles, including Chief of Staff for U.S. Senator Craig Thomas. Association leadership gives me the opportunity to stay in the advocacy game while having an impact on an entire industry.
As we head into 2018, what should be keeping Association CEOs up at night?Demonstrating member value in a town that is too often dysfunctional.
Career advice you’d give to your 20 year old self? Don’t sweat it – you always figure it out sooner or later.
Melissa Meeker, CEO, Water Environment & Reuse Foundation
Hometown: Tampa, FL
Favorite Vacation Spot: Twin Lakes, Colorado
Power Lunch Spot: Who has time for lunch?!
In a sentence or two, what was your career path to becoming a CEO? My career advancement has been a steady progression fueled by attaching difficult challenges that most people would avoid. Being able to analyze situations to determine the possible outcomes is an essential skill in today’s world.
As we head into 2018, what should be keeping Association CEOs up at night?Diversification of funding that provides organizational stability and growth.
Career advice you’d give to your 20 year old self? Don’t sweat the small stuff!
Lynn Schubert, The Surety & Fidelity Association of America
Hometown: Woodbury, NJ. (Exit 1)
Favorite Vacation Spot: Under water.
Power Lunch Spot: Mayflower Hotel.
In a sentence or two, what was your career path to becoming a CEO? As a surety and fidelity lawyer, I went from managing partner, to in-house claims manager with a client, to the law department of the American Insurance Association, to the law department/government and regulatory affairs department of a member insurance company, to President of the SFAA. Learning all aspects of the surety and fidelity world along the way has made this position with a unique advisory organization to state insurance departments and trade association possible.
As we head into 2018, what should be keeping Association CEOs up at night? The cost of maintaining an office in the DC area! Also, of course, engaging younger member company representatives in the work of the organization to ensure our value remains recognized and relevant.
Career advice you’d give to your 20 year old self? 20? Does anyone remember 20? Keep all doors open and don’t be afraid of that first move out of the law firm environment.
Ford Bowers, CEO, Specialty Graphic Imaging Association
Hometown: Augusta, GA
Favorite Vacation Spot: Sometimes I’m in a Jackson Hole mood; then sometimes it just has to be a warm beach anywhere.
Power Lunch Spot: Wherever there is a good conversation to be had.
In a sentence or two, what was your career path to becoming a CEO? I came from the industry the Association represents, served on committees for a couple of years, was then nominated to the Board and served there for a few years, then hired to replace the outgoing CEO.
As we head into 2018, what should be keeping Association CEOs up at night? How do we effectively stimulate community building where the Association is not the centerpiece, but the catalyst, and how can we monetize it to ensure our future?
Career advice you’d give to your 20 year old self? Be patient, never stop being curious and learning, and, most importantly, share your thoughts with wisdom.