Summer 2000 Executive Director's Report:

Last winter, after working in association management for almost 20 years, I finally decided to take the plunge into my own profession's certification program. The American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), headquartered in Wash., D.C., administers the Certified Association Executive (CAE) program. ASAE is comprised of about 30,000 members of whom only about 10% are CAE's. In writing about my experience, it is my intent that so me PCSO members will be motivated to seek the ABO Certification.

The granting language on the customary CAE plaque reads "for demonstrating a high level of competence and fitness for association management by successfully completing an examination, documenting professional educational and community service achievements and fulfilling prescribed standards of performance and conduct required for CAE".

I wouldn't begin to place the CAE designation on the same level as the ABO. The grind of the Phase II Exam, the time necessary to accumulate the required cases and the arduous Phase III oral exam far exceed that required by ASAE. However, there are some interesting similarities.

First, most orthodontists I've come to know during my years of working with PCSO exhibit a strong passion for excellence. This passion is especially evident in those who seek and achieve Board certification. Earlier this decade, I had the pleasure of serving as the Executive Director of the College of Diplomates of the ABO. For CDABO members, excellence is a way of life. Association managers who reach CAE designation also have this passion. Although not always, the ASAE leadership is comprised of CAE's, many of whom hold the top job at large and influential national associations and some of whom meet frequently with the nations top political leaders, including the President.

Second, there is the need to excel. PCSO/AAO members have all achieved exceptional professional goals simply by meeting the challenge of dental school and orthodontic graduate programs. That desire to learn doesn't seem to end with graduation. Many member s continue to learn about the profession and the challenge of the ABO can be inviting.

Yes, in some ways, the ego does drive the desire to succeed and this may be especially evident with professional certification. When it's all said and done, it does feel better to have made the effort and realized the goal.

My first interest in the CAE program began in 1990. When faced with some 50 text books, I had second thoughts. It wasn't until 1998 that I decided to give it another try, in part because I had another nine years' experience under my belt and the reading l ist had been considerably reduced.

Like the ABO, the CAE requires time and experience on the job. In order to sit for the exam, the candidate must accumulate a specific number of points, earned through years as association staff, level of education, original articles published, community service, and volunteer service. The task of taking stock of one's experience is to reveal the source of that experience. It feels good to look over what one has done during a career, even if only mid way through it.

Although some would suggest that certification may translate into higher income, I don't believe that to be a motiva ting factor in seeking the designation. There are more important factors at play, which cause us to get off our duffs and reach for the ring.

For me, it was my family, my parents in particular, that pushed me to seek the CAE. Both are closing in on 80 years, like many of yours. My profession, unlike yours, is difficult to explain to others . Many think it's just the managing of meetings and conventions. While that's much of what I do, we publish, write, manage your finances, oversee the advocacy of important issues, and provide the framework for the many other PCSO programs. While my parents, like many others, may not understand exactly what I do, I thought my folks would enjoy seeing their only son receive his CAE in front of several thousand other association executives during the ASAE annual meeting, held in San Diego last August. I was right and they did.

And finally, there has been an incredible acceptance by my peers. I've joined a select group, one that most association executives have yet to enter. I'm now in a position to help others and this year coordinated the Northern California ASAE efforts to help members achieve the CAE. It feels rewarding to be in that position.

For all these reasons - passion for excellence, need to excel, family and peers - I encourage you to seek your ABO. You will be proud and fulfilled. I am with my CAE and you can bet the 12 PCSO members who passed the February Phase III exam are as well.

For ABO information, contact the ABO in St. Louis at (314) 432-6130.

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