By Mary Tucker, IAEE Sr. PR/Communications Manager
Brad Hobson, CEM is Business Development Manager for Freeman and a member of IAEE’s Chapter Leaders Council. Brad has been an IAEE member for 7 years and, in 2015, received the IAEE Merit Award for his contributions to the DFW chapter. He recently shared with IAEE how he became involved in a leadership role within the his chapter, and why he finds it fulfilling.
How did you get involved in leadership within your chapter?
My counterpart, Heather Chapman, and colleague Bob Berry are previous chapter chairs and they encouraged me to get involved in an organization. At the time I was working on my CEM and CMP, and IAEE seemed like a great fit. Through the years my passion and desire to help grow the Chapter have gotten deeper, and many encouraging leaders assisting me to make leadership a possibility and success. I have made lifelong friends and colleagues through my involvement with IAEE.
Check out the list of upcoming CEM Courses here
What chapter committees do you serve on currently and/or have served on in the past?
I serve on the Young Professionals and Member Engagement committees.
What have you gotten out of volunteering for your chapter?
Career-wise, I have learned leadership and management skills as well as working to lead and create a team passionate about something they are donating their time to! I have learned the importance of a career-oriented group of friends. It is important to network with those who share similar goals and are able to help you reach yours.
How are you fostering future volunteer leaders?
Our Chapter has a hard focus on continually recruiting people to help our committees and boards. We also encourage a free flow of ideas and let everyone have ownership in the Board. We have a very encouraging group!
What do you find most satisfying about having stepped into a leadership role within your chapter?
The most satisfying is the moment the event/lunch/education session ends and you know that the attendees have left with a new friend, and learned something new. I know at that point we have done our job.
What is your favorite chapter activity?
My favorite chapter event is our annual volleyball tournament.
For a list of upcoming DFW Chapter events, click here.
