The Opportunity to Watch and Learn
Council board chair Keith Schuler offers insights gained from working closely with the association’s board members and staff.
Looking back over the past year as The Council’s board chair, I realized what a wonderful opportunity I was given to watch and learn.
Not just this year but the three prior years as well, as I served as a board officer under past chairs David Becker, president and CEO of Cottingham & Butler, Nancy Mellard, executive vice president and general counsel at CBIZ’s Benefits and Insurance Services Division, and Bob Klonk, chairman and CEO of Unison Risk Advisors.
One of my main observations from this time with them is how their leadership and experience working closely with longtime Council president and CEO Ken Crerar set the stage for what I deem “The Year of Transition.”
After leading The Council for over 30 years, Ken handed off the reins of president and CEO to Joel Wood, who served as The Council’s senior vice president of government affairs for three decades. To call it a “handoff” is a gross misstatement. While the transition occurred on July 1, like all successful transitions it was the result of years of mentoring, thought, leadership, and willingness. The seamless transition in leadership is just one piece of the legacy Ken leaves behind. The Council is in a great position for another long run of serving its members and creating new resources. Exceptional job, Ken.
I also had the opportunity to observe and better understand The Council staff as board chair. The quality of the staff in Washington, D.C., is as good as it gets. They work tirelessly to develop and enact creative ideas to enhance the member experience. It’s our job as members to tap into those tools and resources. I do not know of any other industry association that collectively shares and works together like The Council.
I look forward to stepping aside this October as my good friend Andy Barrengos, chairman and CEO of Woodruff Sawyer, takes over as Council board chair. How they ever let two Northern California brokers sit back-to-back is still a mystery. Andy will bring wonderful insight, humility, and humor to the role. Talk about an easy transition.
Lastly, thank you for allowing me to serve as The Council’s board chair. It’s been an honor. I did my best to follow Bob Klonk’ s advice: “Don’t screw it up!” I look forward to becoming a member at large once again and spending a bit more time in the mountains where I find peace of mind.
I leave you with some words to live by: When preparation meets opportunity great things can occur.
