This week, I would like to reflect on the amazing AME Home Team, the ones who do all the heavy lifting with little recognition. They keep AME going, and in our busy lives, we can sometimes forget to express our gratitude to and for them.
I am filled with an overwhelming sense of pride and gratitude for what they accomplish and how solid they are as a team. I want to take a moment to recognize and celebrate each of them for their incredible work. Their dedication and resilience these past few challenging years have been nothing short of inspiring. Whether it’s tackling complex challenges, delivering exceptional results or supporting each other through every twist and turn, they show every day what it truly means to be a team. And they have fun doing it! Ask which of them is the ZOOM Pictionary expert.
- Desiree Dolecki, director of conferences & events, has led our conference through many scenarios over the past few years. We were one of the few organizations that pivoted to a virtual conference during the pandemic and still had over 1,000 attendees. She sets the bar high for excellence in events, and I have learned so much about event planning from her.
- Barb Clayton, director of membership & operations, joined us a year ago to lead membership. Under her leadership, she enhances AME programs, providing customer service for the AME Consortia and AME Excellence Awards. She has also significantly improved regional support. Her dedication to continuous improvement helps AME improve every day.
- Sara O’Hara, conferences & events manager and the longest AME team member (20th anniversary this year), supports events and leads the Champions Club programs. She is all things AME, the AME historian and selfless leader, always looking out for the other person. Her kindness is what stands out the most.
- Jessi Elder, senior marketing specialist, joined us this year and we already see the amazing improvements she has made in outreach, marketing and messaging. Her dedication is infectious, and her innovative ideas are so inspiring.
We also have an amazing contract support team of Meghna Kamboj, our creative and innovative graphics expert; Joy Huebner, our dedicated finance expert keeping us in check; Amy Powers, website and technology extraordinaire, and our newest member, Regina D’Alesio, who brings a wealth of event planning experience to AME.
Each AME Home Team member brings their expertise to the table and willingly shares it with the team and members. As we continue to strive for excellence, I ask that you reach out and let them know how much you appreciate them this week. Of course, please do so again in person at the AME Atlanta 2024 International Conference in October. It is not too late to register or sponsor. I look forward to seeing you all there!
I am also sharing an opportunity that we have coming up in September. AME is honored to partner with the Goldratt Group. For those familiar with The Goal, this is an opportunity to hear from Eli Goldratt’s son, Rami Goldratt, at the Embassy Suites at 5800 Rockside Woods Boulevard, Independence, Ohio, on September 11 from 8 - 11:45 a.m. This FREE session on the Theory of Constraints Flow Solutions: Your Path to Operational Excellence will preview future offerings in our partnership.
Please send your RSVP to khumphrey@ame.org if you are interested in attending this session.
As always, please stay safe and keep looking out for one another.
