A Visit with MPI Potomac Past-President Christine Faiman, CMP
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Back on the Board. Christine Faiman, CMP, Global Account Executive, Marriott International, served as MPI Potomac’s 2005-2006 Chapter President. During her leadership she had the opportunity to partner with Tammy Moore Kockaya, CMP, CMM, (our current 2016-2017 Chapter President) and encouraged Tammy’s interest in leadership. In turn, as MPI’s Potomac’s President-Elect, Tammy encouraged Christine to return to the board — and thus Christine is MPI Potomac’s Board Director of Business Development.
Let’s share how Christine got started with MPI and ultimately the MPI Potomac Chapter.
While Christine was working in convention services for the Hyatt Regency Crown Center in Kansas City, the hotel encouraged its convention services professionals to acquire the Certified Meeting Professionals designation. Understanding the magnitude of the exam, Christine researched study options and decided to join MPI, and its Kansas City Chapter, in order to participate in their local CMP study group. Intrigued by the amazing meeting professionals who embraced her, Christine decided to become involved in the chapter and ultimately her philanthropic career within MPI. Always a go-getter and generous in spirit, Christine joined a committee, became a chapter chair and moved on to the board of MPI’s Kansas City Chapter.
Originally from Maryland, Christine returned home and became a member of the MPI Potomac Chapter where she was introduced to MPI Potomac Past Presidents Kathleen Cochran and Glenn Reighart. Inspired and driven by both of these esteemed leaders/meeting professionals, Christine once again joined a committee working her way up to chair, board member, vice president and ultimately chapter president. During Christine’s leadership, the chapter received several MPI awards including the 2003-2004 Award of Excellence – Membership Growth and Retention; the 2005-2006 Award of Excellence – Membership Growth and Retention and the 2005-2006 Award of Excellence – Communications,
Modest in her accomplishments, Christine maintains that it is crucial to give back and that this is one of the strengths of our chapter’s leadership. She says she has been most fortunate to partner with "amazing professionals in both the planner and supplier communities" and that she believes "MPI has extended her the opportunity to be blessed with great friends and allies."
Christine also believes that you "have to care and listen in order to be a part of thriving change and leadership. You have the opportunity to be involved, locally or remote, as much as you are willing and able. Fit the experience in to YOUR schedule," she says. She emphasized that "there are opportunities for mentors and mentees alike." She also believes that becoming a leader within MPI will allow you the ability to gain business and leadership skills you might not have an opportunity to experience in your personal life and/or professional career.
Embrace Christine’s enthusiasm and reap the benefits of being involved with our chapter. "I have so many great memories of the personal connections made at each event; the MPI experience truly becomes a part of you," she says.
