Position Profile President Association of Washington Business Olympia, Washington

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1 President Association of Washington Business Olympia, Washington The Organization The Association of Washington Business ( AWB ), founded in 1904 and based in the state capital city of Olympia, is Washington s oldest and largest statewide business association with more than 8,000 members representing over 700,000 employees. AWB is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and functions as the state s chamber of commerce as well as its manufacturing and technology association. Members include the largest corporations in the state including Boeing, Microsoft and Weyerhaeuser, although over 90% of AWB s members employ fewer than 100 people and more than half employ fewer than 10. Local and regional chambers of commerce as well as other statewide associations are also members of the organization. AWB is Washington s premier advocate for the business community with a mission to advance an economic climate that enables members, their employees and all citizens of Washington to prosper and create jobs in the private, taxpaying sector. The organization provides a variety of programs and services to members, both directly and through several affiliate entities as noted below, all the while seeking to influence and impact public policy efforts of the legislative and executive branches of Washington state government. AWB is regarded as one of the top state chambers in the nation and is one of the few to be accredited with distinction by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, achieving this recognition in 2007 and in The organization operates with a September 30 fiscal year end; the budget of approximately $6.5MM is generated from membership dues, member services revenue from the Forterra affiliate, meeting and event fees and sponsorships, publications and investment income. AWB has a strong balance sheet and a history of fiscal stability. The Association has several affiliates including: Forterra, Inc.: A wholly-owned for-profit service corporation governed by a 6-member Board of Directors (AWB s President serves on the Board). Its HealthChoice program provides coverage for nearly 40,000 employees and their families of over 4,600 AWB member companies and CompWise is a workers compensation program. AWB Institute: This 501(c)3 organization secures grants and donations in support of specific programs focused on workforce development, manufacturing, listening sessions with policy experts and elected officials and scholarship programs. Political Action Committee: AWB formed the PAC in 2012 to support business-friendly political candidates and issues. More information on programs and organization is available on AWB s website: AWB s long tenured President Don Brunell is retiring after 25+ years as the organization s executive leader. As a result, the Board of Directors has embarked on a national search to recruit a new President to guide AWB and its prominent business leadership activities within the state. The Position Location The position is located in AWB s offices at 1414 Cherry Street SE, Olympia, Washington 98501; telephone (360)

2 Reporting Relationships The President of the Association of Washington Business reports to the Chair and works closely with the 30- member Executive Committee of the Board of Directors; the President is a member of the Executive Committee as well. AWB s Board of Directors represent diverse businesses from each of the 10 congressional districts across the state, a total of 200+ Board members. The Executive Committee and the Board each meet 4 times per year. AWB has an extensive Committee structure that lends itself to strong participation by the Board as well as many other members. The President and other key AWB executives serve as staff to these Committees. In addition, the President is a voting Board member of Forterra, Inc., AWB s for-profit subsidiary, and of its nonprofit affiliate, AWB Institute. The President supervises the Vice President-Communications, Vice President-Government Affairs, Vice President-Operations, Office Manager and advises the President of Forterra, Inc.; a total staff of 30+ people. Other important interactions include: executives and employees of AWB member organizations; elected officials and their staffs throughout the state and in Washington D.C.; state agency heads and their representatives; representatives and executives of local chambers statewide; executives at other business-focused organizations and associations such as Washington Roundtable, Washington Research Council, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Manufacturers, Foundation for Private Enterprise Education, Conference of State Manufacturers and Council of State Chambers; college, technical school and university leaders; members of the media. Position Charter The President of the Association of Washington Business is the chief operations, policy and financial officer of the Association as well as its chief executive officer. This individual also serves as the chief spokesperson for AWB in working with an array of constituents including members, the business and professional community, the Legislature, the Governor, the media and citizens around the state. Major Duties and Responsibilities Planning: In coordination with Executive Committee, Board committees and staff, responsible for preparing annual plans, goals and objectives in line with AWB s strategic plan. The President is also responsible for ongoing evaluation of all AWB programs and affiliate operations, with recommendations for changes and/or enhancements as needed, along with a system of measuring progress toward the attainment of goals. Advocacy and Public Policy Management: Serve as AWB s chief policy officer. Together with the Board, the Vice President-Government Affairs and other AWB staff and volunteers, maintain strong communication and relationship with public policy leaders including state and federal lawmakers and their staffs, the Governor s office, regulatory bodies and professional associations for the purpose of advancing the business agenda in the state. Operate with a non-partisan philosophy while maintaining and championing AWB s business advocacy focus and mission. Insure that AWB s public policy principles and decision process are updated, timely and workable. Work closely with the PAC volunteer leadership on fundraising and AWB s endorsement process. Membership and Member Relations: Oversee activities related to maintaining effective membership and member relations across the state; work with staff and volunteers to expand membership base with an emphasis on inclusiveness to all areas of the state s economy and geography. Maintain communication with members through on-site visits, publications, electronic and social media. Affiliate Relationships: Serve as a member of the Board of Directors of the Forterra, Inc. for-profit affiliate and play a key role in advising Forterra as well as the AWB Institute nonprofit affiliate on service offerings and programs. Also serve on the Board of the Foundation for Private Enterprise Education (Washington Business Week).

3 Liaison Roles: Build upon and enhance relationships, ongoing interaction and liaison with a wide constituency including: Executive Committee and Board of Directors: Earn and maintain the respect and confidence of AWB Executive Committee and Board. Responsible for preparing meeting agendas, carrying out plans and programs of the Executive Committee and Board in accordance with established policies, serving as representative of the Board for all contacts with AWB staff, initiating programs for consideration, and advising the Executive Committee and Board on all matters under consideration. Members: Responsible for motivating members to personally and financially support AWB s advocacy program, analyzing and interpreting the needs of members that represent Washington s largest corporations as well as its smallest businesses. The President serves as the public face of AWB and must be open to suggestions, proposals, and requests from the members and translate them into action consistent with the fundamental objectives and policies of AWB. Other Relationships: Work to maintain and/or initiate effective working relationships with related business organizations, associations, chambers of commerce, educational institutions and other key partners throughout the state and, as appropriate, on a regional/multistate and national basis. Communication: Serve as the chief spokesperson for AWB and communicate the organization s position on public and political issues. Deliver on regular communications with members, officers, elected officials, local chambers, news media, civic organizations, etc. through AWB publications, social media and related communication pieces. Place a high priority on the credibility of communications with the Washington Legislature and Washington Governor. Communicate a positive message/image of Washington and AWB. Fund Development and Fiscal Management: The President is responsible as the primary fund raising and development executive for the organization by maintaining current and cultivating new funding relationships in support of AWB general operations along with specific events and programs. In concert with the Board s Executive Committee, develop AWB s annual $6+MM budget. Responsible for coordinating the preparation of accurate and timely financial statements with detailed information relating to AWB programs and prospective activities. Events Management: Continue AWB s focus on positive event planning including Washington Business Week, PAC fund raising, Policy Summit and legislative forums, receptions, and economic forums, Holiday Kids Tree and other events. AWB Staff and Facility: Responsible for employment, assignment of duties, supervision, training, periodic and annual evaluations and leadership of all AWB staff. Assure consistency of HR policy development and implementation and ensure that staff members are prepared to successfully implement AWB s programs. Foster daily working environment that values teamwork and ensure the highest levels of customer service and volunteerism. Responsible for management of AWB offices with a goal of providing for an efficient operation and presenting an attractive front door for the use of AWB members, the community and visitors. Other Duties: Perform other tasks and duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Board of Directors. Compensation: The President is expected to earn an attractive compensation package; appropriate benefits and some relocation assistance will be provided.

4 The Candidate Education A Bachelor s degree is required; an advanced degree in business, law, public administration or related field is desirable. Professional Qualifications The ideal candidate should have at least 10 years of progressive leadership experience and may come from a variety of executive roles including: the top executive of a successful state or large regional chamber of commerce or related significant trade association; serving as a #2 or other senior-level executive at these organizations; an executive from a complex private or public sector entity who has strong business advocacy experience; a senior public policy executive from a large metropolitan chamber of commerce. Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Executive leadership experience (strong staff leadership and human resource development; has effectively led a complex organization). Government relations (has developed effective working relationships with elected/appointed officials and their staffs). Advocacy (demonstrated background of successfully influencing legislative activity). Relationship development (has developed effective partnerships with a range of leaders, from Fortune 500 executives to entrepreneurs, from legislators to governors, from business organizations to higher education). Board relationships (significant involvement with Board development and recruitment, governance issues and Board of Director interactions). Membership development (has actively promoted the organization; track record of membership retention, increased value and appropriate expansion). Fiscal management (demonstrated ability to manage financial affairs of an organization; i.e., develop revenue sources and control expenditures so as to preserve financial stability). Communication (effective communicator with internal and external audiences; strong written communication and presentation skills; experienced with current social media tools and trends). Management experience (strong human resource development; can effectively lead and motivate a staff team). Planning (experience in developing and implementing both operational and strategic plans). Established contacts (has developed and maintained regional and national connections with business, government and other public sector organizations). Fund raising (experience with varied successful funding activities including development programs and special events). Media/public relations (ability to effectively articulate goals, objectives and policy positions of AWB to the media and the community at large). Varied industries (experience within a business environment with diverse industries including manufacturing, technology, agriculture, healthcare, retail, education). Sales orientation (ability to market and promote AWB and its programs and policy positions). Regional knowledge (familiarity with Washington and the Pacific Northwest desirable). Desired personal traits Leadership (a take charge individual; can manage, motivate, challenge and delegate to others; proactive versus reactive; looks for and fosters win-win results). Consensus-building (able to forge effective working relationships with various parties and encourage them to work together toward common goals).

5 Integrity (possesses honesty and the highest ethical and moral standards; transparent; genuine). Vision (a forward outside the box thinker; envisions the big picture beyond daily operations and can lead an organization toward strategic goals and ideas). Political acumen (demonstrated ability to strategically navigate among elected officials and their staffs). Credibility (can command respect of Board, members, staff, business and regional leaders). Collaborative (sees value in working with others to achieve positive results for the community; demonstrates a willingness and ability to work with and through others). Management style (empowers staff; provides basic direction and allows staff team to execute; holds staff accountable; serves as a mentor for staff in their own professional development). Communication skills (good listener; excellent written and oral communication skills). Teamwork (recognizes that many parties are necessary to accomplish big things; speaks of we first, not I ; relishes in sharing credit with others). Inclusive culture (foster organizational culture which is inclusive, recognizing the value of all members and staff). Visibility (highly visible to staff, members, business leaders, legislators; active in the state and community). Results oriented (demonstrated record of achievements; meets established goals and objectives). Persuasive (able to synthesize various viewpoints and convince disparate groups to come to a logical resolution). Executive presence (polished; charismatic; self-confident). Energetic (genuinely enthusiastic; strong personal work ethic). Creative (provides ideas and able to envision nontraditional solutions to issues). Risk taker (willing to take calculated risks based on thought out action and available information; isn t afraid to challenge status-quo thinking). Intelligent (bright; street smarts and natural intelligence). Human relations skills (relates well to people; builds constructive and effective relationships). Travel: This position requires frequent but planned travel throughout the State of Washington to connect with AWB Board members, members at large and key business leaders at large corporations and small businesses. The President is also part of AWB s team to meet with the state s delegation and other federal agency leaders on trips to Washington DC. Challenges and Opportunity The projected first year accomplishments for the new President of the Association of Washington Business include: Establish presence as AWB s President and become completely familiar with all operating aspects of AWB including staff, finances, programs, and Board members. Demonstrate to all constituents a relatively seamless transition of executive leadership while following in the footsteps of a long tenured and successful predecessor. Evaluate all aspects of AWB and affiliates and identify areas/make recommendations/implement changes for improvement, value adds, consistency and/or expansion to programs, services, social media and other member communications, particularly at a grassroots level. Initiate formal and informal introductions and connections with all constituents -- AWB members at large corporations and small private businesses, the Washington legislature, Governor, media, other businessfocused associations and chamber, etc. -- through varied communications and in-person gatherings and meetings with a goal of developing strong and trusting relationships.

6 In particular with the bullet point above, engage key leaders of other local and regional chambers as well as statewide associations with the goal of strengthening the business coalition in Washington. In addition, develop a strong relationship with those large corporations in the state that may not have been as engaged in the recent past with AWB efforts and activities. The President position of the Association of Washington Business is an outstanding opportunity for a chamber of commerce, association, private sector or other senior level executive to continue to expand the impact of a successful state chamber. Over the past several years, AWB has benefitted from strong financial performance, consistent growth in membership and continued influence as the voice of business for the state. However, Washington has developed a reputation as a state where operating a business of any size can be challenging. This makes AWB s role as a business and policy advocate of greater importance than ever. The President will encounter new opportunities to forge stronger relationships with members statewide and a continued need for and emphasis on non-partisan support for business. The President will have an opportunity to impact all of these areas and more, and will achieve these goals with the support of a committed Board of Directors and dedicated staff team. The State of Washington/Olympia Washington is in the Pacific Northwest and is home to over 6.7 million people. Its largest cities include Seattle and Tacoma in the northwest, Spokane in the east and Vancouver in the southwest. Washington has a diverse economy including manufacturing, high tech, agriculture, automotive, retail with such leading companies as Boeing, Amazon, Microsoft, Paccar, Starbucks and Costco. However, the state s core economy is made up of smaller companies. Residents of Washington enjoy an excellent quality of life with access to recreational, cultural and educational opportunities. As the state capital city of Washington, Olympia has a population of more than 47,000. Located in Thurston County, Olympia is approximately 60 miles south of Seattle on Interstate 5. With mild winters and warm summers, Olympia is an excellent place to live, conduct business and raise a family. Residents benefit from attractive housing choices, outdoor recreation with parks, biking and hiking trails, and shopping options at boutique stores and national retailers. Educational opportunities include public and private schools along with college and university environments. Olympia has an active arts community along with numerous community events and organizations. In addition, its proximity to Seattle offers easy access to professional sports, additional cultural and educational amenities and the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. For more information, please visit the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater Visitor & Convention Bureau website at Contact The client organization we represent and WAVERLY PARTNERS firmly support the principle and philosophy of equal opportunity for all individuals, regardless of race, religion, sex, age, national origin or disability. We encourage interested candidates to send a resume/cv to WAVERLY PARTNERS, the executive search firm retained by AWB on this search, in care of AWB@Waverly-Partners.com Eric N. Peterson, Managing Director & Principal WAVERLY PARTNERS, LLC, Cleveland OH EPeterson@Waverly-Partners.com June 2013