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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
BY BRIAN MEE
BY BRIAN MEE
Why Make AASBO Your Association of Choice?
e Essence of Leadership

Brian Mee

Mark Twain once said, “Really great people
Belonging and volunteering are essential elements careers in school business management and take
make you feel that you too, can be great.” When
of personal and professional growth. They on leadership roles within their organization.
elected as President to the Association of School

Business O cials International, I was charged

allow individuals to connect with like-minded
with the task to come up with a theme for my
individuals, gain new skills and knowledge, and Networking is another valuable aspect of AASBO
presidency. e theme I chose was something

positively impact their communities. In the field membership. As a member, you will have access
I called, E3 Leadership. “If your actions inspire
others to dream more, learn more and become
of school business operations, belonging to an to a vast network of school business officials

more, you are a leader” is quote by John Quincy
organization like the Arizona Association for from different districts and regions in Arizona.
Adams captures the essence of leadership and
School Business Officials and volunteering to Networking provides opportunities to share
lays the foundation I would like to focus on
get involved can have numerous benefits for both ideas and best practices and allows for potential
this year as I share some of the views from my
messages as ASBO International President. collaborative projects and partnerships. AASBO's
personal and career development.
Leadership is one of the most important bimonthly meetings and conferences are excellent

roles for school business o cials – and it is also
Professional development opportunities offered platforms for members to engage in networking
one of the most challenging responsibilities.
by AASBO are a significant advantage for its opportunities and build relationships within the
When it comes to leadership in our jobs, it isn’t
necessarily something we do, that is, lead. It’s
members. The association provides numerous school business management community.
who we are – leaders. E3 Leadership – Envision,
workshops, academies, and bimonthly meetings
Engage and Empower are essential elements of
covering various school business management In addition to professional development and
leadership.
topics. These sessions equip school business networking, AASBO also provides its members
Envision: One of the most important traits of
all great leaders is the ability to have a clear vision
officials with the latest knowledge and skills with valuable information on those issues that
for their organization — a distinct and vibrant
needed in their field. AASBO's workshops cover affect school districts at the state level. As a
concept of what the organization should stand
budgeting, budget and financial management, school business official, staying informed and
for and strive for now and in the future.
Engage: Effective leaders engage all the
procurement, transportation, facility engaged in efforts impacting your district is vital.
stakeholders through collaboration and soliciting
management, human resources, technology, and Through AASBO, members can stay informed
their input, considering their ideas, and taking constructive Speaking of excellence, I would like to thank our
risk management. Attending these workshops on relevant legislative matters, participate in the
criticism regarding the vision and the path toward its outstanding President Nate Bowler for providing a clear
allows members to stay up to date with the latest dialogue, and have information on decisions that
realization. ey weigh the stakeholders’ interests and needs and positive vision for our recently completed 66th Annual

and align them with the vision to achieve the desired result. Conference and Exposition – Learn from the Past, Go Forward
practices and regulations in school business affect their district and the wider school business
Empower: One of the most important skills of every to the Future, and of course a huge thank you is due to all
management, providing them a competitive edge management community. These efforts are crucial
successful leader is the ability to empower others to make the speakers, vendors, volunteers and especially Ana, Audrey,
in their jobs. in protecting the interests of school business
decisions that support the organization’s vision. Effective Chuck and Je for providing the outstanding foundation on
officials and ensuring that our voices are heard.
leaders grant others this decision-making authority, but they which we build this event. e keynote presentations by Josh
also provide the guidance, coaching, resources, and tools Tickell and Aron Ralston were informative and quite moving,
Aside from workshops, AASBO also provides its
necessary to ensure the decisions support the work of the the professional development breakout sessions provided
embers with leadership and women's development Belonging to AASBO also brings a sense of
organization. Success requires mutual trust and a clear vision. our members with a wealth of knowledge on a broad range of
institutes designed explicitly for school business belonging and camaraderie. Being part of a

Leadership also involves another E: Excellence. E ective topics, and the tribute to Carolyn Warner, the iconic Arizona
leaders create an environment that expects — even demands Superintendent of Public Instruction, brought back fond
officials. These institutes focus on developing professional community with the same goals
excellence. In that environment everyone strives to produce memories for all of us.
leadership skills, which enhances their abilities and values can be rewarding. AASBO members
a quality product. In our case, that quality product is students I welcome new members to our Board of Directors, and
to lead others effectively. These opportunities are are united in their commitment to promoting
who have the knowledge and skills to succeed in higher applaud AASBO members who were recognized at our Annual
valuable for those who aspire to advance in their excellence in school business management, and
education, in the workforce and our society. If we are excellent Conference for their accomplishments.

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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