MSAE Member Spotlights

Tell us who you are, where you work and what your title is.
Kari Hayes, Finance and Membership Director with Missouri Optometric Association
www.moeyecare.org

How long have you been a member of MSAE?
Three years

What do you value the most from MSAE?
The chance to meet new people and learn from those who have extensive knowledge of association management.

What would you tell others about MSAE?
It is a great organization to network and gain training opportunities.

What are your hobbies/interests?
My husband Mark and our children, Kamryn and Carter, love spending time on the river and St. Louis Cardinals games!

What is your favorite place to visit in Missouri?
There are some beautiful places in Missouri, but currently, we really enjoy spending time at our place at the Lake of the Ozarks.

 

What is your favorite place to visit in Missouri?
Of course there is no place like home- Springfield! Missouri is fantastic and offers the “variety pack” of destinations within a short drive and I love them all. Cities with the best sports teams, museums and shopping. Our natural beauty with hills, rivers and lakes, caves and foliage is not to be missed.

 

My name is Kathy Pabst, MBA, CAE, and I am the executive director of the Missouri Academy of Family Physicians in Jefferson City (www.mo-afp.org)

I have been involved with MSAE in some capacity since 1989 – yes, that is over 30 years of involvement! I have held every membership classification, except for emeritus. I managed MSAE from 1989-1993 when it was one of my associations clients through a local association management company. My regular membership continued sporadically over the years as my eligibility for membership changed. I was an associate member when I worked for a local university and promoted utilizing their meeting space for various associations meetings, conferences, etc. With my comprehensive perspective of MSAE and experience, I have an appreciation for the needs and expectations of all MSAE members.

What do you value the most from MSAE?
There isn’t just one member benefit that I value the most. It is more of a comprehensive package of the education, networking, and resources. As MSAE is adapting to a virtual professional environment, I know if I need assistance on an issue, I can reach out to colleagues for guidance. MSAE is starting member interest groups (called Circles in MemberClicks), on different topics – look for more information on this new service soon. I’m sure I will utilize this method of sharing and learning to stay abreast of current best practices.

I would be remiss if I didn’t specifically mention the education workshops that MSAE offers. I am a lifelong learner and value learning the latest best practices on key issues that impact me, my team, and association. MSAE does an excellent job of securing subject matter experts on many association targeted topics. We have moved to a virtual platform for our education workshops and although we lose the social networking component of being an MSAE member, we are all just an email or phone call way – which you can access through the online membership directory.

What would you tell others about MSAE?
MSAE is a professional organization focused on programs and benefits to support members in their quest to be better in their non-profit careers. Working for an association or non-profit organization is a calling because we want to make a difference. Our organizations bring like-minded individuals, professionals, or industries together to accomplish their mission. MSAE is working to help accomplish this goal. We are going through a challenging time to focus on our relevance in a virtual world.

Access to our associate members is one of the key benefits for associations and our members who are meeting planners. It is a one-stop shop and I always look at MSAE associate members first when deciding on a meeting location. We hope to build stronger relationships and support our associate members who are struggling as well through this pandemic.

What are your hobbies/interests?
First and foremost, my grandkids, are my hobby and my primary interest. They make my world go ‘round. I love spending time with them and watching them grow into their own personalities. They give me energy, and wear me out.

Other than spending time with my family, my creative side was developed when I learned how to create stained glass pieces. I love the challenge of selecting colors, designing custom pieces, cutting glass, and soldiering it all together. Then the final polish makes the piece shiny and beautiful. I crank up the radio (classic rock) when I’m working and get lost in my own little world. It is therapy for me to escape and focus on my next creation.

What is your favorite place to visit in Missouri?
I would have to say home – but I don’t think that is what you are asking. I love all of Missouri. From the Ozark Mountains, to the big cities, wineries, theme parks, museums, resorts, local attractions, and I can’t forget shopping – they have unique cultures and special atmospheres. My husband and I road trip to see what we can see, learn more about Missouri life during different periods of time, and taste the best food and drinks in an area. That is why I love Missouri – and living in Jefferson City, we are a few hours drive away from almost anywhere we want to go.