08/27/2024

OAPA Leader Q&A: The Executive Director Transition, One Year In

Last summer, OAPA undertook a search for the organization’s next staff leader, as long-time Executive Director Beth Adamson departed OAPA after more than 20 years of service. After a thorough search process involving many OAPA volunteers, the board announced the hiring of Tracy Vanneman, CAE, who began her tenure on September 1, 2023.

President Nathan Hart recently caught up with ED Vanneman to reflect on the past year and discuss what’s yet to come.

President Hart:
So, Tracy, your one year “workiversary” with OAPA is just days away. Congratulations! How are you feeling?

ED Vanneman:
Yes, thank you, Nate! It has been quite a ride! This role has been different from all of my past positions in associations and nonprofits, and I have learned so, so much.

Hart:
Can you give a few examples of things you have learned?

Vanneman:
So there are 3 things that immediately come to mind. First, I have realized what a critical role PAs play in healthcare. I was aware of PAs before (in fact, I have been seeing a PA for about a decade for a chronic health issue), but I certainly didn’t know how many PAs existed in Ohio, or just how well trained and diversified their skills were, or how many legislative barriers stand in their way for no good reason. Also, I have noticed how gracious PAs are with their time and energy, particularly those in OAPA leadership and volunteer roles. I have served on boards and committees myself, but it’s incredible to me the depth of passion some PAs have for advancing the profession through OAPA engagement - it’s absolutely infectious. And finally, I have learned how to take my 20 years of experience in nonprofits and associations and focus my knowledge and skills to best help this small but mighty organization strengthen its foundation, clarify its course, and pursue its mission relentlessly.

Hart:
It sounds like you have gained a greater appreciation for the PA profession, OAPA members, and yourself in the process. I love that! So considering all of this, is there anything that has surprised you the most, or maybe was the biggest challenge?

Vanneman:
I mean, every day presents a new challenge, and that’s what keeps me going. People talk about the “Sunday Scaries” - the dread some folks experience on a Sunday as they think about going back to work on a Monday - and I sort of have the opposite. I am always excited about the new week ahead. And if I’m being honest, I’ve probably been doing an hour, or two, or five, of work over the weekend anyway, because I enjoy it. Also, I have an example of something that surprised me, but it’s pretty nerdy…

Hart:
I can’t wait to hear it.

Vanneman:
Ok, the surprising thing is how much I have enjoyed using QuickBooks.

Hart:
That is nerdy.

Vanneman:
Yes! I know! But as you’ll recall, an early goal of mine was to really focus on OAPA’s finances. The organization had had a few rough years in a row financially, and although I came at the problem from many angles (identifying opportunities to earn more interest on OAPA’s investments, developing new financial policies and procedures, updating payment processes, etc.) one of the logistical things I did last fall was to move us out of spreadsheets and into QuickBooks, thus improving bookkeeping accuracy and the professionalism of financial reporting while gaining access to realtime information to inform organizational decision making. We’ve made a ton of progress in the financial area of the business, we are doggedly pursuing a balanced budget this year, and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have a little fun doing the bank reconciliations in QuickBooks each month.

Hart:
Haha! Well, I’m glad this job has afforded you the opportunity to pursue a new hobby? Seriously, though, the board and I are thankful for how much energy you have put into this functional area for OAPA, among the many other efforts you have made since you started working with us. What else do you think members should know about your experience these past 12 months?

Vanneman:
I wish the membership could see through my new(ish) eyes and realize along with me just how much raw potential there is for OAPA to be a growing, thriving professional community that is the definitive authority for PA practice in Ohio. As I have continued to experience and support OAPA events and activities, meet more members, and further understand the professional landscape, I have also noticed so many stones unturned, paths not taken, choose your metaphor. Almost daily I am crossing 5 things off my to-do list while adding 6 more that I thought of based on opportunities that members bring forward, conversations that I have, or ideas being deployed by peer organizations. And the fact that Ohio has 17 PA programs means that in addition to the now more than 6,000 PA licensees, there are hundreds more waiting in the wings to join the profession.

Hart:
I agree with you, there is absolutely potential for OAPA to level up. What do you think we need to do to get there?

Vanneman:
Well, the strategic goals that the OAPA board adopted this spring are an excellent start, as they help us to focus and all look forward together at the same desired outcome. And more and more members have been stepping up to take on leadership roles, raising their hands to volunteer, or simply providing valuable ideas and feedback to help OAPA improve. But honestly, and unfortunately, it’s not enough. It’s cliche, but this has to be an all hands on deck effort to increase our legislative achievements, meet the next generation needs of our membership, and flourish financially. I am one person, who is not a PA, and who is contracted to work only about 30 hours a week. There are many things I can do - plan events, advise and support the board and committees, keep the website up to date, provide customer service to our members and the public, have fun with Quickbooks…you get it. But what I cannot do - what only OAPA members can do - is tell their story of being a PA, invite their colleagues into this amazing professional community, and define what it means for OAPA to achieve its vision of Ohio as the premier state for PAs.

Hart:
That’s so true. As much as we on the board are happy to partner with you, it really is the case that our organization will be most successful through members talking to their colleagues about OAPA membership, inviting them to join in at OAPA regional events, forwarding OAPA articles and news of interest to them, and things like that. I am confident that we can work together and all do our parts - you, me, the board, our members, everyone - to ensure that OAPA is strong today and even stronger in the future.

Vanneman:
Absolutely, Nate. And I’m truly honored to have been given the opportunity to partner with OAPA this past year and to have recently extended my contract into 2025. There’s so much more work to be done, and I’m ready for all of it!

Hart:
Same! Thanks for sharing your thoughts about the past 12 months. I hope this conversation inspires some members to become more engaged with OAPA, in whatever way they are able. If someone wants to volunteer or learn more, should they just contact you?

Vanneman:
Yes, please email me at oapa@ohiopa.com or call 614-999-9202 and I will be delighted to hear from them. Thanks so much, Nate!

Hart:
Thank you, Tracy!