PDJ : Coming on board in the midst of one of the greatest crises our state and our country have ever faced , do you think any executive director has had as unique of a start as you ’ ve had here at PDA ?
BLACKWELL : The circumstances as I started with PDA have indeed been unique , to say the least . That said , all kinds of situations can be considered “ unique ,” and I ’ ve little doubt there have been associations dealing with even greater challenges at a time a new executive director came on board . My own experience with crises has made me a firm believer that adversity creates opportunity . ( My crisis experience includes being ED of the Louisiana Dental Association during Hurricane Katrina .) One thing about starting with PDA during a pandemic : I ’ m never bored !
PDJ : How much of a challenge was it to begin your tenure during a time of such uncertainty and chaos ?
BLACKWELL : It was definitely a challenge in that before actually starting , I had some knowledge of the critical objectives in the PDA Strategic Plan and some initiatives I had been planning to prioritize . And first on my agenda was meeting with lots of stakeholders to get feedback and buy-in . Instead , I arrived facing a crisis for which NO ONE had planned and with no way to actually meet with anyone . Heck I was on the job for a month before I was actually in the commonwealth ! But again , crisis management isn ’ t exactly novel for me . And PDA had a terrific team of staff and volunteers already working hard to put out the fires that were popping up daily . We also had considerable support and resources from the ADA in our quiver . So , the challenge was definitely formidable , but I felt I was part of a team wellequipped to handle it .
PDJ : As of the time of this interview , you ’ ve been on the job for nearly five months . What are some of your early impressions of PDA ?
BLACKWELL : One thing that has made a definite impression on me is the level of engagement among the PDA leadership . The overwhelming majority of those in leadership roles stay well-informed on the issues affecting the association and many are extremely generous with their time when it comes to PDA service . PDA also possesses significant assets ( financial , personnel , etc .) and delivers a strong value proposition to members . To me , all this suggests a high likelihood of success as we work to deliver even greater value that exceeds members ’ expectations .
PDJ : What have you learned about PDA members during your interactions with those you ’ ve had a chance to meet , in-person and remotely ?
BLACKWELL : Most of the interaction has been remote , though I did accept an invitation to attend a Seventh District meeting in July that was held outdoors with appropriate social distancing . ( And along the way to that meeting , I also discovered a little country deli / hardware store selling the best donuts I ’ ve ever had !) Beyond the engagement and commitment of the leadership that I mentioned previously , it ’ s my observation – even remotely – that PDA members are generally more outspoken than the members were in Louisiana . In most respects , I find that to be helpful . I ’ d hope that any member with a problem , criticism , or recommendation would speak up and give PDA the opportunity to address those things . No association is perfect , and it ’ s hard to respond to members ’ needs if they aren ’ t clearly communicated . I ’ ve also found PDA members to be pretty interesting folks beyond their professional lives . For instance , I loved learning that past PDA president Dr . Jon Johnston is a groundhog handler in Punxsutawney . And the passion for pro sports among many PDA members is very relatable for someone ( me ) who has a house full of LSU Tiger and Texas Longhorn gear !
PDJ : What made PDA an attractive organization and opportunity for you to pursue ?
BLACKWELL : While I ’ m quite proud of many of the things LDA achieved during my tenure there , I increasingly felt over time there was more it would have been possible to achieve had the LDA simply had more substantial resources . PDA not only has at its disposal many resources the LDA did not , it has leadership committed to supporting their use for improving the association ’ s effectiveness . The opportunity to become PDA ’ s ED not only aligned nicely with my professional goals in this regard , but it allowed me to continue working with good friends and colleagues in dentistry around the country .
( L to R ) - Louisiana Dental Association Past President Dr . Charlie Foy , U . S . Rep . Steve Scalise ( current House Minority Whip ) and Ward , April 2019 .
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2020 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL 13