My column in the December 2008 Design-Build DATELINE focused on change in the context of the deterioration in the global economy. Now, once again, the theme is change, but this time due to a planned transition in our organization’s staff leadership. Far from being a negative situation, the current change presents the opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of two extraordinary individuals and the progress we have made as an organization.
Lee Evey took on the chief executive role at a time when DBIA was facing challenges in mission, membership, operations and financial stability. During his tenure, the organization has advanced the clarity of its mission, increased its membership, improved its member value proposition, strengthened its operations and stabilized its financial affairs. He has worked tirelessly to carry the message of design-build to all who would listen.
Over the past five years, Lee has taught us, coached us, challenged us, led us and inspired us. Those of you who have heard Lee speak with vitality at conferences and events, worked with him on committees and shared casual discussions know precisely what I mean. The board is very appreciative of Lee for his commitment and effort and the results achieved. We look forward to his continued contributions benefiting the DBIA as a thought leader and champion of best practices for our industry.
One of Lee’s signature contributions was recruiting Lisa Washington to head DBIA’s education program. Lee’s vision and Lisa’s excellence at implementation combined to establish a DBIA National Education Program, a best-in-class initiative for our industry. Proving her tenacity with the education program, Lisa moved on to apply her leadership skills to the DBIA’s conference offerings as well. Ultimately, she merited promotion to chief operating officer, where she added responsibility for a wide range of functions, including recruiting, retaining and satisfying thousands of members; developing, publishing and selling numerous publications (including this Design-Build DATELINE journal); hiring and motivating an 18-person association staff; and managing a $6 million annual budget.
Although it would be difficult for any one person to fill Lee Evey’s big shoes, Lisa has displayed so many positive qualities she gives the Board complete confidence that she will succeed as DBIA’s new chief executive. In addition to her experience in association management, with DBIA and before, she has earned the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation. This credential is awarded by the American Society of Association Executives to individuals who pass the examination and demonstrate the other requisite experience, education, training and integrity qualifications. Additionally, Lisa is currently well along in her coursework to complete a master’s of business administration degree. How appropriate that the person responsible for DBIA’s education and designation programs would herself display such a commitment to education and professional certification!
The Board has had ample opportunity to observe Lisa’s performance in providing leadership for the day-to-day business of our association. Lisa rose from within the ranks, set and met high standards of excellence, showed agility in responding to difficult issues and established that she can handle the workload and the pressure. Some of the proof is DBIA’s experience so far this year, in spite of the tough economy, with various successful conferences and training programs and the launch of new publication initiatives. Lisa’s personal warmth and good humor are added qualities that have enabled her to build effective relationships with the staff, the board, the membership and the industry at large.
While not herself a veteran of the design/construction industry, you would never guess it. Lisa has assessed the needs in the organization and begun the process of assembling a team to bring proper balance and industry expertise to the DBIA National network. Among the resources Lisa will engage are an additional staff position reporting to Lisa who will serve as vice president of advocacy and external affairs. In addition, Lisa will tap the expertise of industry consultants and the abundant talent in the DBIA regions, chapters and committees and the membership at large.
It is with pleasure that I both welcome Lisa to her new role and thank and congratulate Lee for his successful tenure.
Tom Porter, DBIA