Forum - June/July 2010

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Meet the Association Forum’s
Newest Board Members

On April 1, the Association Forum of Chicagoland seated its 2010 – 2011 Board of Directors, including five new additions — each committed to serving and improving Chicagoland’s diverse association community. FORUM recently asked what they’ve enjoyed most about the Association Forum as members, and how they plan to improve it as volunteer leaders.

Name: Dave Bergeson, Ph.D., CAE

Title: Account Executive Association: Association Management Center Location: Glenview

Board Position: Regular Member Director Term: One Year (Bergeson is filling the unexpired term of Secretary-Treasurer Oliver P. Yandle, J.D., CAE.)

Member Since: 1997

FORUM: Why did you join the Association Forum? Bergeson: Association Forum was an important part of my professional growth right from the beginning. One of the first things I did for my professional development was attend Association 101. I’ve still got some of the handouts from that first class. I started to get involved a few years ago as a member of the FORUM Editorial Working Group. I was interested in helping generate content for FORUM magazine, and, frankly, I wanted to give back to my association.

FORUM: What has been the most rewarding experience you’ve had as an Association Forum member?

Bergeson: Helping FORUM tell stories that are important to the association community has been particularly rewarding to me. There are a lot of associations doing a lot of really good, important work out there, and it’s both informative and motivating to learn more about them.

FORUM: What are your goals for the Association Forum?

12 FORUM APRIL 2010 34 JUNE/JULY 2010

Bergeson: The association community is just now emerging from perhaps the most challenging economic environment in the past 20 years. Despite this, Association Forum has continued to press forward, offer new and dynamic programs, and remains the most important source of association knowledge and leadership in the Chicagoland area. My role as a member of the Board will be to help our volunteer leadership and staff continue to extend the Association Forum’s reach and influence, and to help make responsible, thoughtful decisions regarding its oversight and growth.

FORUM: When you have some, how do you like to spend your free time? Bergeson: My 3-year-old son, Benjamin, tends to be my schedule-maker these days, which is great. There is nothing more rewarding than spending a long day with Benjamin walking in the local parks or reading books. I also enjoy bird watching and fishing.

Name: Mary Lynn Fayoumi, CAE, SPHR, GPHR

Title: President and CEO Association: The Management Association of Illinois

Location: Downers Grove

Board Position: Regular Member Director Term: Three Years

Member Since: 1999

FORUM: Why did you join the Association Forum? Fayoumi: I chose the Association Forum due to its excellent reputation for professional development, including networking opportunities and educational programs. I got involved as a volunteer leader after meeting other volunteers and Association Forum staff, who convinced me that I would benefit greatly both personally and professionally from increased involvement.

FORUM: What has been the most reward-
ing experience you’ve had as an Associa-
tion Forum member?

FORUM: What are your goals for the Association Forum? Fayoumi: My goal is to help the Association Forum grow and prosper during my tenure on the Board. I would like to contribute my expertise to building upon their strong foundation and helping determine future strategic initiatives. My 20 years of experience in the combined fields of human resources and association management should offer the Board some new perspectives that I hope will be helpful in leading the organization into the future.

FORUM: When you have some, how do you like to spend your free time? Fayoumi: I am the mother of two teenagers, so our family is always on the run. I enjoy attending their sporting events as well as music and theatre productions. In addition, our entire family enjoys traveling both in the United States and abroad. I also like reading, movies, biking and yoga.