GETTING TO KNOW
Getting to Know: DATIA’s Staff
Tell us about yourself and your role at DATIA. Jessica: I am a “Super Mamma” of three and the Membership Coordinator for DATIA. Not only do I manage and process payments and certification requests, I am also on the phone daily helping both members and non-members navigate our website and understand the benefits of membership. I love talking to people and helping them with whatever they may need.
Tamika: As Director of Marketing and Communications, I make sure that DATIA members are informed about industry activities, regulatory changes, and current news affecting their operations. DATIA focus, eNews, the DATIA Red Book, and DATIA’s social media pages all fall under my umbrella.
Laura: As DATIA’s Executive Director, I am part juggler, part chief officer, part big plan developer, part researcher, part organizer, part . . . you get the point. My main role is to ensure that DATIA’s programs and benefits are in line with what members need to be successful in the industry. Tis includes developing ideas for and implementing new programs. A few of the ones that I am most proud of include DATIA focus, the DATIA industry directory, DATIA eNews, and implementing online training.
What is the coolest thing you’re working on right now? Jessica: It’s exciting to prepare for the conference. It is a lot of work and we are super-busy, but it’s great to see all the registrations coming in and I’m geting excited thinking about New Orleans!
36 datia focus
Jessica Scott, Membership Manager
Tamika Carter, Director, Marketing & Communications
Tamika: I have to say that I am really having a great time working on the DATIA Annual Conference. Last year, I had just started working with DATIA just a few months before the Conference and I didn’t know what to expect. Tis year, I am really excited, because now I know just how impactful this conference is on the industry and the atendees, and so I am excited to see it all come together in New Orleans.
Laura: Te conference is always fun to work on since we work each year to change it up to offer something new, and I’ll admit reviewing hours upon hours of video to find the right keynote speaker is a highlight. Tis year’s agenda looks amazing, and working over the coming weeks to get the new roundtable sessions formalized is very cool. Ten, beyond the conference, working on the new lineup for educational offerings. Based on member input regarding items they want to learn about, a very diverse and comprehensive set of courses is being developed to provide members with industry education to give them the tools to move their careers and organizations forward.
With so much going on at the DATIA Annual Conference, what is the one thing that keeps you sharp for the week? Jessica: Coffee! Lots of coffee!
Tamika: My sneakers are my most-prized possession for the week of the DATIA Annual Conference. When the atendees are in-session, we—as staff—are usually running around geting things done. And during the breaks, we are interacting with the atendees, so we are on our feet A LOT! I truly wouldn’t
Laura Shelton, CAE, CMP, Executive Director
make it during the week without them. Tey are all black, so I can hide them prety well under my slacks. (Shhh… don’t tell.)
Laura: We may appear calm, cool, and collected to atendees, but DATIA management is constantly running around (sometimes literally running from place to place if no atendees are in sight!) and working behind the scenes to make the conference experience seamless and enjoyable for atendees. To keep me focused and feeling like I got a full night’s sleep, I rely on my flavored water mixes with vitamins and greens.
What are you most looking forward to in New Orleans? Jessica: Last year, my favorite thing was geting to meet the members and matching the voice on the phone to the face in front of me. I’m looking forward to seeing some of the new friends I made last year and meeting new members as well! And, let’s be honest… I cannot wait for the New Orleans food!
Tamika: At the Conference, I can’t wait to see some of the people that so warmly welcomed me to the industry last year. It will be great to see everyone again. In the city of New Orleans, I can’t wait to be surrounded by the unique southern/creole culture that you can only find in New Orleans.
Laura: Regardless of the location, geting time to interact face to face with members is always a highlight of the conference for me. In New Orleans, I am definitely looking forward to the food!! Luckily Drago’s is in the Hilton Riverside, where I will be a regular during the conference for their oysters and spicy shrimp. Oh, maybe I beter add pants with stretchy waistbands to my answer above. ❚
winter 2018
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