Debra S. Bailey, CAE, named George Nigh Association Executive of the Year OSAE Honors Four Members in Annual Awards Program
Norman (July 13, 2010)-The Oklahoma Society of Association Executives honored four members during its annual meeting held at the Embassy Suites Norman Hotel & Conference Center.
Debra S Bailey, CAE, vice president and chief financial officer of the Oklahoma Restaurant Association and the Oklahoma Hospitality Foundation and president and chief executive officer of the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association and chief financial officer of the Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association, was awarded the group’s highest honor, The George Nigh Association Professional of the Year.
“Juggling so many not-for-profit organizations has its challenges, but the reward has come with the relationships that have been forged over these many years. It has been my honor to work with some exceptional association executives, starting with Justin Hill who in 1985 hired a young bookkeeper and introduced her to the world of organizational management. Then Bob Clift, who encouraged me to join OSAE in 1987 and supported my goal to attain the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation in 1993. Then, five years ago Jim Hopper joined our dedicated staff, brining a renewed sense of direction and a refreshing sense of humor,” she said.
Hill and Clift, longtime OSAE members, preceded Hopper as executive directors of the Oklahoma Restaurant Association.
“After 25 years, I can still say that I enjoy coming to work every day because I’m blessed to work with people I actually like, in a career that I really enjoy, and I have the support of a wonderful family,” said Bailey.
Nigh who served as OSAE’s founding president in 1963 presented the award to Bailey.
“For whatever reason you have my name on that award, I am proud and honored. I am very happy to present it this year to Debra Bailey,” said the former governor.
Scott DeWald, executive vice president and treasurer, Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, was honored as the Association Professional of the Year.
In accepting the award, DeWald said, “True leaders are servants first. I believe association professionals are in a unique position to serve the needs of others, and in so doing improve our communities and our way of life,” he said.
“People who belong to associations place a great deal of faith and confidence in the people they hire to manage them. I have learned many lessons from a long line of volunteers and I appreciate each of those lessons,” DeWald said.
Marke Burroughs, senior sales manager, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, was honored with the OSAE Key Award which recognizes contributions that benefit the association community.
Burroughs recalled that he started in the hospitality industry as a waiter 30 years ago, and has served in all aspects of the industry including the launching of the new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino which opened in Tulsa in 2009. The OSAE Key Award is his latest honor which reflects Burroughs’ passion for his career and friendship to the association industry.
Shannon Brown, association sales manager, Embassy Suites Norman Hotel & Conference Center, was named the Strategic Partner of the Year for outstanding service to OSAE. Brown’s many accomplishments in her career, including Leadership Midwest City Valedictorian, and industry certifications reflects her energy and excellence in the service industry.
She said that receiving the Strategic Partner Award from OSAE is special.
“Each member of this organization has a heart for something. Whether it is banking, family physicians, cattle, or meeting space, every person stands and for what they believe, the rights of others and making Oklahoma a better place to live. I cannot think of a better way to serve my community and this organization than to help my fellow members stand for that in which they believe,” said Brown.
The OSAE Awards Program is a long-standing tradition honoring members who excel in the field of association management and go the extra mile for the professional organization. A complete list of award winners is on the OSAE website at ok-osae.org.
The Oklahoma Society of Association Executives is the only organization in Oklahoma which serves the state’s association profession. Members of OSAE are association staff and executives who are involved in trade associations, professional societies, foundations, chambers of commerce and convention bureaus, and their Strategic Partners who provide products and services to the association community.
June Luncheon Recap: RISE TOGETHER
Thunder Takes Oklahoma City by Storm
Sheraton Hotel Oklahoma City, June 4, 2010 - Whether we bleed Sooner Red or Cowboy Orange, Oklahomans are unified when it comes to The Thunder, Oklahoma City’s NBA franchise team that earned a spot in the play-offs in only its second season. OSAE got an insider’s look at the organization during June’s luncheon with Dan Mahoney, vice president of communications and community relations. We also got to high-five and pose for photos with the Thunder's beloved mascot, Rumble. That bison never takes a bad photo!
It’s evident that Mahoney, who has had a successful career in media, politics and public relations clearly loves his job. Who wouldn’t? It’s the NBA! But now that the 50-game win season is over, Mahoney said it doesn’t mean the organization is taking it easy.
Just follow Kevin Durant’s tweets to see that he’s putting in plenty of court time. Mahoney said the Thunder office is working harder than ever to make next season better than this one. It's an approach that drives them all to succeed.
“If you’ve been to a game, you know they are fun and exciting, or what I like to call ‘sensory overload’ ... in a good way. We strive to make game two better than game one and the second half better than the first half,” he said.
Mahoney said the Thunder organization is guided by three commitments – to the league, to the community and to the game of basketball.
To the League: The Thunder, as the newest member of the National Basketball Association, played to 31 sell-out crowds this season in a market that is the third smallest of all 28 NBA American cities.
To the Community: With hundreds of appearances by the players, Thunder girls and Rumble, along with youth basketball camps, reading programs and physical fitness promotions, The Thunder has woven itself into the fabric of life in central Oklahoma.
The the Game: The players each committed to work on their games – whether it be improving possessions, shooting or footwork before training camp on October 1.
Mahoney acknowledges the bar has been set high for another 50 wins next season. Will they do it? They make no promises other than the promise to play each game to the fullest.
As Thunder fans, we can’t ask for much more, except maybe a free t-shirt. Season tickets go on sale soon along with other game packages and group sales.
OSAE President Elect Tawni Phelan, CAE, encouraged members to take advantage of group sales to take their organization’s members and clients. Her group, the Oklahoma Society of CPAs, took 100 members to a game last year and had a blast. Mahoney said the Thunder is committed to making group tickets and $10 tickets (in Loud City) available so everyone can enjoy the games.
The next time OSAE members get together will be for the annual meeting, “The State’s Leader in Association Management,” July 12 – 14, 2010, at the Norman Embassy Suites Hotel.
May Luncheon Recap: Hall & Dunlap Discuss Oklahoma Politics
May 7, 2010, Remington Park Race Track & Casino- Complete the phrase, and if you can attribute the source you get a bonus point.
The phrase: If you don’t vote, don’t _____.
Who said it? If you guessed one half of the team that makes up Majority Plus, you are correct. Read more here.
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Oklahoma Society of Association Executives 6412 N Santa Fe Ave Ste C Oklahoma City, OK 73116 405-879-0027 FAX: 405-879-0304 Email: osae@rhess.com www.ok-osae.org
Debra S Bailey, CAE, vice president and chief financial officer of the Oklahoma Restaurant Association and the Oklahoma Hospitality Foundation and president and chief executive officer of the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association and chief financial officer of the Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association, was awarded the group’s highest honor, The George Nigh Association Professional of the Year.
It’s evident that Mahoney, who has had a successful career in media, politics and public relations clearly loves his job. Who wouldn’t? It’s the NBA! But now that the 50-game win season is over, Mahoney said it doesn’t mean the organization is taking it easy.