Page 7 - The EDGE BTS 2024

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
BY BRIAN MEE
BY BRIAN MEE
The Power of Many: Harnessing Collective

e Essence of Leadership
Strength Through AASBO Membership
Brian Mee

Mark Twain once said, “Really great people
In a world that often encourages individualism,
make you feel that you too, can be great.” When
ignoring the profound impact of community and Empowering Your Career
elected as President to the Association of School
collaboration can be easy. The truth is that being Participation in AASBO isn't just about gaining

Business O cials International, I was charged
part of something bigger than ourselves enhances knowledge and empowerment. By engaging with
with the task to come up with a theme for my

presidency. e theme I chose was something
our personal growth and amplifies our ability to fellow members, you gain access to mentorship
I called, E3 Leadership. “If your actions inspire
effect change. This sentiment resonates particularly opportunities that can shape your professional
others to dream more, learn more and become
within the Arizona Association of School Business trajectory. The power of many lies in the diverse
more, you are a leader” is quote by John Quincy

Officials (AASBO), where the collective strength paths and skills each member contributes. Engaging
Adams captures the essence of leadership and
lays the foundation I would like to focus on
of our members transforms lives, careers, and in AASBO activities opens doors to connections
this year as I share some of the views from my
educational systems, inspiring and motivating us leading to job opportunities, collaborations, and
messages as ASBO International President.
all. Leadership is one of the most important partnerships that wouldn't exist in isolation, giving

roles for school business o cials – and it is also your career a significant boost.
"Alone we can do so little; together
one of the most challenging responsibilities.
When it comes to leadership in our jobs, it isn’t
we can do so much." – Helen Keller Career development workshops, certification
necessarily something we do, that is, lead. It’s
who we are – leaders. E3 Leadership – Envision, programs, and informal meet-ups enrich your
Engage and Empower are essential elements of professional landscape. As you build relationships
The Importance of Belonging
leadership.
When you join AASBO, you're not just becoming a within AASBO, you not only learn from others’
Envision: One of the most important traits of
member of an organization – you're becoming part successes and setbacks but also cultivate skills
all great leaders is the ability to have a clear vision
of a family of passionate professionals dedicated to that equip you to significantly impact your school
for their organization — a distinct and vibrant
concept of what the organization should stand
school finance and operations. This network offers district and the broader educational landscape.
for and strive for now and in the future.
a wealth of resources, a platform for sharing ideas,
Engage: Effective leaders engage all the
and an avenue for professional development that Making a Difference Together
stakeholders through collaboration and soliciting
you can't achieve alone. The collective knowledge The true magic of AASBO comes alive when its
their input, considering their ideas, and taking constructive Speaking of excellence, I would like to thank our
criticism regarding the vision and the path toward its outstanding President Nate Bowler for providing a clear
of your peers can help you navigate challenges, members unite for a common cause. Whether it's
realization. ey weigh the stakeholders’ interests and needs and positive vision for our recently completed 66th Annual

inspire innovative solutions, and promote best advocating for better funding for schools, sharing
and align them with the vision to achieve the desired result. Conference and Exposition – Learn from the Past, Go Forward
practices, making you feel included and valued. innovative strategies, or providing support during
Empower: One of the most important skills of every to the Future, and of course a huge thank you is due to all
successful leader is the ability to empower others to make the speakers, vendors, volunteers and especially Ana, Audrey,
challenging times, the collective voice of AASBO
decisions that support the organization’s vision. Effective Chuck and Je for providing the outstanding foundation on
Being a part of AASBO means gaining access members is a powerful force. When one member
leaders grant others this decision-making authority, but they which we build this event. e keynote presentations by Josh
to a wealth of practical experience. Need advice succeeds, we all succeed — and vice versa. The
also provide the guidance, coaching, resources, and tools Tickell and Aron Ralston were informative and quite moving,
on a budget issue? Want to create a new policy? victories and challenges faced by individual
necessary to ensure the decisions support the work of the the professional development breakout sessions provided
organization. Success requires mutual trust and a clear vision. our members with a wealth of knowledge on a broad range of
Through discussions, workshops, and networking members reflect upon the community as a whole

Leadership also involves another E: Excellence. E ective topics, and the tribute to Carolyn Warner, the iconic Arizona
opportunities, AASBO members can share insights – thus, it's essential to stand together in solidarity.
leaders create an environment that expects — even demands Superintendent of Public Instruction, brought back fond
from real-world experiences. This collaborative memories for all of us.
excellence. In that environment everyone strives to produce
environment fosters an atmosphere where Collectively, we also have a greater capacity
a quality product. In our case, that quality product is students I welcome new members to our Board of Directors, and
who have the knowledge and skills to succeed in higher applaud AASBO members who were recognized at our Annual
everyone can learn and grow together, enhancing to affect systemic change. Imagine the impact
education, in the workforce and our society. If we are excellent Conference for their accomplishments.
your professional skills and knowledge. of hundreds of education finance professionals

in our supportive responsibilities, our education sta can focus Finally – a reminder. Our rst bimonthly meeting of the new
CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

on their responsibilities. school year is September 11 at EVIT. You’re invited!
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6 THE EDGE | BACK TO SCHOOL 2019