Page 6 - The Edge - BTS 2021

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
BY BRIAN MEE
BY BRIAN MEE
AASBO Struck Back with a Successful
e Essence of Leadership

In-Person Annual Conference
Brian Mee

Mark Twain once said, “Really great people
Has there ever been a more appropriate theme for weather, and at the last moment the lightning shifted
make you feel that you too, can be great.” When
our Annual Conference and Expo? Borrowing course to about ten miles away. AASBO members
elected as President to the Association of School

Business O cials International, I was charged
from the Star Wars epics, AASBO Strikes Back gathered quickly, and, of course, the race was fun and
with the task to come up with a theme for my
pretty much set the stage for our first in-person able to fundraise over $8,600.

presidency. e theme I chose was something
conference since January of 2020. The
I called, E3 Leadership. “If your actions inspire
COVID-19 pandemic had forced us to conduct I also want to congratulate an impressive group of
others to dream more, learn more and become

our conferences virtually, but not this time. award winners for their excellence and dedication to
more, you are a leader” is quote by John Quincy
Adams captures the essence of leadership and
Attendance at our 68th Annual Conference and our association. The list includes:
lays the foundation I would like to focus on
Expo far exceeded our expectations, with well
this year as I share some of the views from my
over 530 members attending. What’s more, we Best Booth
messages as ASBO International President.
sold out the exhibit area, welcoming some 230 Core Construction
Leadership is one of the most important

roles for school business o cials – and it is also
of our vendors, who did an incredible job of
one of the most challenging responsibilities.
decorating their booths and capturing the Star Vendor of the Year
When it comes to leadership in our jobs, it isn’t
Wars theme. In total, we had in excess of 1,500 The TRUST
necessarily something we do, that is, lead. It’s
in attendance.
who we are – leaders. E3 Leadership – Envision,
Engage and Empower are essential elements of William Lovett Award
leadership. Ken Hicks
The keynote speakers, as always, delivered
Envision: One of the most important traits of
dynamic and inspirational messages, the Dysart USD
all great leaders is the ability to have a clear vision
professional development breakout sessions Pete Perkins Memorial Scholarship Award
for their organization — a distinct and vibrant
concept of what the organization should stand
provided AASBO members with ideas and Bobby Williams II
for and strive for now and in the future. Mesa Public Schools
information on how to enhance their careers,
Engage: Effective leaders engage all the
and the closing general session featured
stakeholders through collaboration and soliciting
Member of the Year Award
Arizona insiders on what to expect politically. Speaking of excellence, I would like to thank our
their input, considering their ideas, and taking constructive
From start to finish it was, by any standard, Ryan French
criticism regarding the vision and the path toward its outstanding President Nate Bowler for providing a clear
Littleton Elementary School District
realization. ey weigh the stakeholders’ interests and needs and positive vision for our recently completed 66th Annual

a welcome success. Of course, a tremendous
and align them with the vision to achieve the desired result. Conference and Exposition – Learn from the Past, Go Forward
thank you goes to our new President, Karla The Hat
Empower: One of the most important skills of every to the Future, and of course a huge thank you is due to all
Walter, who with her incredible and flexible Audrey Hawthorne
successful leader is the ability to empower others to make the speakers, vendors, volunteers and especially Ana, Audrey,
professional development committee and team
decisions that support the organization’s vision. Effective Chuck and Je for providing the outstanding foundation on
leaders grant others this decision-making authority, but they which we build this event. e keynote presentations by Josh
of session managers put this smooth-running
also provide the guidance, coaching, resources, and tools Tickell and Aron Ralston were informative and quite moving,
conference together. All this was accomplished In addition, there were 37 Gold and Silver awardwinners,
necessary to ensure the decisions support the work of the the professional development breakout sessions provided
despite serious concerns a few months earlier more than 95 districts received a Certificate of Excellence
organization. Success requires mutual trust and a clear vision. our members with a wealth of knowledge on a broad range of
about the pandemic and whether we would Award, and last, but certainly not least, the recipient
Leadership also involves another E: Excellence. E ective topics, and the tribute to Carolyn Warner, the iconic Arizona

of The Hat for this school year is our own Audrey
finally be able to hold an in-person conference.
leaders create an environment that expects — even demands Superintendent of Public Instruction, brought back fond
excellence. In that environment everyone strives to produce Hawthorne. And special thanks to Audrey, Ana Sanchez
memories for all of us.
a quality product. In our case, that quality product is students I welcome new members to our Board of Directors, and
We almost had to cancel the popular Duck and the AASBO staff for putting on such a successful
who have the knowledge and skills to succeed in higher applaud AASBO members who were recognized at our Annual
Race. There were a few hiccups with rain and conference and of course, our vendors, Corporate
education, in the workforce and our society. If we are excellent Conference for their accomplishments.
in our supportive responsibilities, our education sta can focus Partners, and the entire board for their support.
especially lightning. The ducks didn’t mind the

Finally – a reminder. Our rst bimonthly meeting of the new

on their responsibilities. school year is September 11 at EVIT. You’re invited!
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6 THE EDGE BACK TO SCHOOL 2021
6 THE EDGE | BACK TO SCHOOL 2019