BOARD PERSPECTIVE
BY AMIE ROBERTSHAW , AAMD PRESIDENT
The ( Not So ) Scary Side of AAMD
For the first five years of my career , I worked in student housing in Gainesville , Florida . Partly because I was young in my career and partly because Gainesville is a small town , I really had no idea how big the industry was that I was working in . It wasn ’ t until I moved to Denver in 2007 that I was truly exposed to the many sides of this ‘ little ’ job I had .
I can ’ t exactly remember my first AAMD event , but I do remember exactly how I felt : scared . It was as if everyone else in the room had known each other for years . And since we are the 6th largest association in the country , there were A LOT of people . I felt that it was obvious that I didn ’ t know anyone . That I was the new kid . The girl that had no idea what she was doing there .
I can ’ t honestly say that my fear of the association subsided quickly either . I ’ m an introvert , so I ’ m not quick to jump out of my box . This place was full of deep relationships . Everyone knew everyone ( or so it seemed ). I thought about joining a few committees but didn ’ t really know where to start or how it worked . I recall watching the President , Committee Chairs and AAMD staff speak at events with so much admiration , but yet I thought it I could never be a part of their world .
Fortunately , along the way , some really great people helped to break down those ‘ scary ’ AAMD walls for me . And once that happened , I realized how wrong I was to ever hesitate taking that first step . Our association and being an active member is not only the least scary thing you can do – it can likely be the most rewarding .
So , for the new kids , fellow introverts , or the ones that just don ’ t know what it all means – I ’ d like to break down the ( not so ) scary side of the AAMD .
Let me start by saying that if you ’ re reading this article , there is a good chance you ’ re a member of the association already . Being a member allows you access to a lot of resources , including our education and networking events .
If you have not attended either , take this first step . Not only is this great for your own professional growth , these events are also a lot of fun .
For those people that want to contribute at the next level – I encourage you to join a committee ( or two !). This is your opportunity to directly influence any area of the association that you ’ re passionate about . Depending on the committee , the time commitment may vary , but on average , it ’ s a couple of hours per month and we are always understanding of your work obligations . Some committees meet in person , some virtual , some do both . Either way , it ’ s easier to volunteer the time than you may think .
After volunteering on a committee , you may soon decide that you ’ d like to be a Chair or Co Chair . This position works closely with the AAMD Staff to execute the goals of their committee . Being a Chair or Co Chair is also your ticket to AAMD Leadership which allows you the opportunity to sit in on the Monthly Board Meetings . During Board Meetings , we discuss current events , challenges and executive business of the association . Here you get to be involved with some of the most important decisions that face our association while also learning about our industry at the deepest level .
Each year , there are new board members elected into voting positions . At any time , there are 24 voting board members out of the 40-50 leadership positions . Your term on the board is two years , but you can be reelected for consecutive terms . Of the 17 voting board positions , there are 7 Executive Board Members that fill the roles of President , Vice President , President-Elect , Secretary , Treasurer , Supplier at Large and Past President . Although sometimes this can change , typically the hope is that the Secretary transitions to Treasurer , then to President-Elect and ultimately President .
So , while there are some more complexities involved , taking that first step and joining a committee could lead you down a very rewarding path with our association .
With that said , here is list of the different committees within our association : (* More details about the committes and their areas of focus , see page 11 )
Committees :
• Affordable Housing
• Best Practices
• Career Initiative
• Communications
• Economic Conference
• Inclusion & Diversity
• Membership Development
• Onsite Engagement
• Public Relations
Networking / Events :
• Ambassadors
• Bowling Tournament
• Chili Cookoff
• Golf Tournament
• Maintenance Mania
• Member Services
Education :
• H . O . M . E Program
• TechCon
• Education Conference & Trade Show
Charitable :
• Apartments Giving Back Day
• Charity Auction
Councils ( Elected / Appointed ):
• Education Advisory Council
• Independent Rental Owner Council
• Joint Legislative Advisory Council
• Networking Council
• Supplier ' s Council
As you can see , no matter what your passion or desired path of growth , there is a place for you here . I can personally promise you that your participation is wanted and your voice will be heard . And you ’ ll meet some really awesome people along the way and have a good deal of fun . Do it . Don ’ t be scared .
Amie Robertshaw is the Vice President at Asset Living and President of AAMD .
6 | TRENDS OCTOBER 2022 www . aamdhq . org