Page 6 - The Edge - Fall 2020

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
BY BRIAN MEE
BY BRIAN MEE
Investing in People
e Essence of Leadership

Brian Mee

Mark Twain once said, “Really great people
I think back to the start of 2020, a new decade, new beginnings decision-making and problem solving skills are an asset
make you feel that you too, can be great.” When
for some and hope of good things to come. But this year has to the department, to the district, and to the community
elected as President to the Association of School
been unlike any we have ever experienced. The issues that we as a whole. So, they encourage and support their staff
Business O cials International, I was charged

have all faced and are still facing seem insurmountable. We do members' professional development. They recognize the
with the task to come up with a theme for my
not know when this crisis will end or when we will get back importance of lifelong learning and continuous improvement.
presidency. e theme I chose was something

to normal. What I do know is that each of you overcame the
I called, E3 Leadership. “If your actions inspire
odds and you are persevering through this. It makes me proud "But when it comes right down to
others to dream more, learn more and become
to be part of such an incredible group of AASBO members

more, you are a leader” is quote by John Quincy
who are laser-focused on how you can lead and serve those it, leaders are only as good as the
Adams captures the essence of leadership and
in your district, your state – and your colleagues. And what
lays the foundation I would like to focus on
I see is a group of selfless individuals who are concerned quality of the people they lead."

this year as I share some of the views from my
for each other, are there for each other and willing to do
messages as ASBO International President.
whatever it takes – a group of professionals who know that Effective leaders also recognize that they must set the
Leadership is one of the most important

roles for school business o cials – and it is also standard for those people whom they lead. They build
they cannot do this alone, but can only succeed together.
one of the most challenging responsibilities. relationships and emphasize teamwork and collaboration.
When it comes to leadership in our jobs, it isn’t They model integrity, ethics, excellence, and vision.
AASBO members are highly skilled, honest, dedicated leaders
necessarily something we do, that is, lead. It’s
who exemplify the Association's basic beliefs: They are They create an environment that fosters trust and
who we are – leaders. E3 Leadership – Envision, motivates and inspires employees to achieve results.
committed to conducting themselves in the highest standards
Engage and Empower are essential elements of It's a tall order, but effective school business officials
of professional and personal ethics, to continuing ongoing

leadership. are committed to excellence and are willing to do
professional growth and development, and to developing
Envision: One of the most important traits of
these beliefs in others with whom they work. Our members whatever is necessary to ensure every department
all great leaders is the ability to have a clear vision member, every staff member, every student in the
also assume the responsibility for providing professional
for their organization — a distinct and vibrant district has the tools and resources necessary to succeed.
leadership in their schools, communities, and organizations.
concept of what the organization should stand
This responsibility requires members to maintain
for and strive for now and in the future. And speaking of leaders, I would like to thank President
standards of exemplary personal and professional conduct.
Engage: Effective leaders engage all the Lizette Huie for her leadership and team of speakers, our
stakeholders through collaboration and soliciting Membership Committee and team of session managers
But when it comes right down to it, leaders are only as
their input, considering their ideas, and taking constructive and Audrey Hawthorne and the AASBO staff for putting
Speaking of excellence, I would like to thank our
good as the quality of the people they lead. Nobel Prize-
criticism regarding the vision and the path toward its outstanding President Nate Bowler for providing a clear
winning economist Gary S. Becker, who coined the term
on a successful Virtual 67th Annual Conference, and of

realization. ey weigh the stakeholders’ interests and needs and positive vision for our recently completed 66th Annual
"human capital," says that "the basic resource in any
course, our vendors, Corporate Partners, and the entire
Conference and Exposition – Learn from the Past, Go Forward
and align them with the vision to achieve the desired result. Board of Directors for their support of the conference.
company is the people. The most successful companies and
Empower: One of the most important skills of every to the Future, and of course a huge thank you is due to all
the most successful countries will be those that manage
successful leader is the ability to empower others to make the speakers, vendors, volunteers and especially Ana, Audrey,

human capital in the most effective and efficient manner."
Lastly, I would like to welcome and congratulate our newly
decisions that support the organization’s vision. Effective Chuck and Je for providing the outstanding foundation on
elected Board members this summer. Welcome to Dale Ponder
leaders grant others this decision-making authority, but they which we build this event. e keynote presentations by Josh
A leader who manages human capital effectively from Crane ESD as our new Vice President, Francie Wolfe-
also provide the guidance, coaching, resources, and tools Tickell and Aron Ralston were informative and quite moving,

provides employees with clearly defined goals and Baumann from Dysart USD as our new Treasurer, Martin
necessary to ensure the decisions support the work of the the professional development breakout sessions provided
expectations. He or she then holds them accountable for James from Deer Valley USD as our Membership Services
organization. Success requires mutual trust and a clear vision. our members with a wealth of knowledge on a broad range of
attaining those goals and meeting those expectations. Director, Linda Virgil from Peoria USD as our Business

Leadership also involves another E: Excellence. E ective topics, and the tribute to Carolyn Warner, the iconic Arizona
Administration Director, Courtney Pina from Glendale ESD
leaders create an environment that expects — even demands Superintendent of Public Instruction, brought back fond
What does that look like in a school district? as our new Educational Programs Director, Robert Jacobson
excellence. In that environment everyone strives to produce memories for all of us.
I welcome new members to our Board of Directors, and
a quality product. In our case, that quality product is students from Laveen ESD as our Maintenance and Operations
Successful school business leaders know the importance Director, and James West as our new Transportation Director.
who have the knowledge and skills to succeed in higher applaud AASBO members who were recognized at our Annual
of investing in their staff members, their colleagues. They We look to this team of leaders to carry on the torch with all
education, in the workforce and our society. If we are excellent Conference for their accomplishments.
understand that their employees' knowledge and their of the inspiration and dedication of those who preceded them.

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

on their responsibilities. school year is September 11 at EVIT. You’re invited!
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