Angela Moore Stephens, CAE, Professional Development Senior Director, American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA)

1. Why did you choose the field of association management and what about it keeps you going?
I would not say that I chose association management but rather it chose me. I originally intended to work for a non-profit organization because it was in line with my interest in psychology. I planned to check it out for a bit and then investigate other options. However, after working for the association for a few months, I was hooked. I loved the mission of the organization and the passion and commitment of its members. There was so much to learn. This year, I celebrated my 38th anniversary at the American Group Psychotherapy Association. I have worked in almost every area of the organization: membership, certification, communications, fundraising, publications, and professional development. What keeps me going is that there are still opportunities for professional growth within the organization; I continue to gain knowledge and new skills. Additionally, my interaction with the membership and my colleagues is exceptional.

2. How has this pandemic impacted your career or your role within your organization? And what time are you clocking in and out? (Has that changed?)
As the Professional Development Senior Director in charge of in-person and online education and training, the pandemic significantly impacted my role within the organization.  In early March we held our annual conference, one of the largest held in New York City before the shutdown. Shortly after our annual conference, I began acting as a liaison between our membership and the meeting site representatives where approximately 200 attendees contracted COVID. The pandemic also presented a variety of unique challenges for mental health professionals.  When this health crisis hit, the world moved online and many therapists needed support with not just the technical aspects of running therapy groups online, but also the ethical and logistical pieces. Our organization acted right away providing relevant training for our members. In just one week’s time we had scheduled a webinar regarding online groups and created a resource web page with templates and other supporting documents. In the weeks and months following, the number of events on the e-Learning calendar quadrupled. Weekly support groups for therapists supporting healthcare workers were established, and all COVID-19 and Online Group related webinars were offered free to both members and nonmembers.

Prior to the pandemic, I had regular work hours (essentially eight-hour days); presently my hours are more erratic. Working from home offers convenience (no commuting which I relish) but it also requires maintaining strong time boundaries which I have not yet mastered.

3. What advice do you have for young professionals looking to pursue a career in association management?
I would recommend that young professionals find an organization that has a mission that they are passionate about or at least can stand behind. I believe that association management offers great opportunities for personal and professional growth with the potential for making meaningful change in our society.

I would also encourage them not to be afraid to speak up; their voices and perspectives are important. Most association managers and members appreciate diverse opinions so share your views. You can make a difference!

4. Tell me about your experience (s) of engagement with NYSAE this past year?
My engagement with NYSAE has increased enormously over this past year. I have found that the program offerings and the engagement opportunities are much more focused on my areas of interest and are geared toward what is pertinent in the industry today. I have been a member of NYSAE for several years and was very active during my early membership attending events and social activities; however, over the years my interest in participating waned as I was not finding the educational offerings beneficial. I am happy to see that there has been a renewed focus on engagement and the relevant educational content. This year I also increased my involvement by joining a committee for the first time.

5. When you’re not focused on work, where can we find you?
When I am not working, I am expanding myself both spiritually and physically. Spiritually, I make time for daily meditation and Bible study and physically, I am an enthusiastic cross fitter.

 

Angela Moore Stephens, CAE

Professional Development Senior Director, American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA)