GETTING TO KNOW BY ADINA YOUNG, DATIA
Getting to Know: Laura Shelton, DATIA Executive Director
How long have you been with DATIA and what changes have you seen since you started? I started with DATIA in 1997, just days before its first Annual Conference in Alexandria, VA. I remember that first conference had less than 10
exhibitors, just about 100 atendees, and I was intrigued by the services they offered. What I really recall, and what still holds true today, was the passion that the atendees had for the purpose be- hind what their companies provide. I admire that very much. To our members, drug and alcohol testing is not just a business but also a call to action. Since starting, I’ve seen the resiliency of our mem- bers. When times get tough they diversify; they seek ways to beter serve their clients and their clients’ needs. Even beter: they work together. Tey collaborate and create new opportunities for each other through partnerships. Tat’s something you don’t see much in the cuthroat business world and it is very refreshing.
What do you love most about DATIA? Te members obviously! Talking on the phone with members and helping them solve problems is the highlight of my day. Also, I love geting constructive complaints/criticism about something (yes, I said it) and then figuring a way to turn that into an opportunity for a new program or benefit. Some of DATIA’s best programs originated from such a conversation with a member. Unless I/we know what the problems our members are experiencing, we can’t solve them so I do truly love hearing about issues that we can solve for our members. Tat is our purpose, aſter all.
What do you find most intriguing about the drug and alcohol testing industry? Where do I begin? Te legalities for short. Te legalization of marijuana in various forms is one (medical and recreational). Of course the one drug being legalized in different forms by states is the one that is the hardest to show impairment by since it stays in the system for so long, but the one most oſten used. Another is the proliferation of abuse of medically prescribed drugs, and the area of pain management to monitor whether patients are taking doses as prescribed or abusing them. Finally, is the advancement of technol- ogy. It’s amazing to see at the Exhibit Hall so many new technolo- gies for detection. I was a science major so truly love to see the advancements that these visionaries are making in the field of drug and alcohol testing.
Fun Question—What’s something completely unexpected about you that members don’t know? I love to dance and dance somehow nearly every day. As the former captain of my college’s dance team, I had some great opportunities and my favorite was the chance to perform on live television with Scott Bakula during the Thanksgiving Day Parade. After rehearsing for countless days, we all rehearsed for hours with him in the NYC snow the night before! It was both grueling and a lot of fun, but also one of my favorite memories.
DATIA WOULD LIKE TO RECOGNIZE AND THANK ITS STRATEGIC PARTNERS:
● BB&T ● CLEARSTAR ● INTOXIMETERS 32 datia focus ● RANDOX TOXICOLOGY spring 2015 ●
DRAEGER SAFETY DIAGNOSTICS, INC.
● LIFELOC TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
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