From left: Kate Mearns, Jesper Hougaard, Susan Wheeler, Jennifer Wayland-Smith and Deborah Waldvogel.
SERVING ON THE ISPA BOARD:
Lessons, Rewards and Surprises
Deborah Waldvogel Director of Spa Development & Operations Sedona Resorts • Chandler, Arizona
Things to Remember When Applying for the ISPA Board
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Be sure you are logged on to experienceispa. com with your ISPA member login. If you cannot complete your application in one sitting, you have the option to save and return at a later time to your application. You will be required to provide a high-resolution professional headshot and a current version of your professional resume before submitting your application. Once your application has been received by ISPA Headquarters, you will receive an email confirmation that includes a copy of your application. If you come across any technical challenges, we are here to help! Email samantha. smith @ ispastaff. com or call 1.859.219.3619 for assistance.
From left: Mary Tabacchi, Lori Hutchinson, Angela Cortright and Sharilyn Abbajay.
ISPA Board Nominations Committee
CO-CHAIRS: Frank Pitsikalis( ResortSuite) and Deborah Waldvogel( Sedona Resorts) Cathy Cluff( Oaks at Ojai) Jean Kolb( Kohler Company) Jim Root( Glen Ivy Hot Springs) Jane Segerberg( Segerberg Spa Consulting)
Pulse: What was your most rewarding experience in serving on the ISPA Board? Waldvogel: To network, learn and share with spa professionals from around the world. Most memorable to me was the opportunity to speak / educate on behalf of ISPA in Thailand, Egypt, India and [ France ].
P: What have you learned while serving on the ISPA Board? W: I have learned skills to be an effective leader, how to run productive meetings, a tremendous amount about association management and on a more global level, that despite cultural differences, a number of the opportunities and challenges that face me are also the same ones that spa professionals around the world are dealing with.
P: What surprised you most about serving on the board? W: That while the Board is composed of very talented, strong-minded individuals who are powerful decision-makers in their respective organizations, can come together, debate in a healthy way and reach consensus on the important strategic issues facing the association and industry.
P: In what way has your board service impacted you? W: It has had a profound impact on me on many levels. I have been able to stretch my leadership skills to levels I never imagined possible, I now have a greatly expanded network of spa colleagues I can turn to for advice or perspective and I have made lifelong friends.
P: In one word, describe your board experience? W: Dynamic.
March / April 2013 n PULSE 51