It has been an honor to have served as president of our association. On the first of July I move to the position of past president and our new president, Jerry Smith, will provide his leadership to our association. I’m confident he will serve us well.
The journey of going through the chairs began for me some time ago. I remember past presidents Mark Nabity and Tim Wies asking me at a fall conference in Miami to consider a role on the AWCI’s executive committee. I was quick to agree before I fully understood the commitment. It might seem daunting at times, but you can’t help but grow personally and professionally by going through years in the different officer chairs at AWCI. The staff at AWCI assisted me in every step of the way.
Getting to know people from around the United States, and even the world, is one of the benefits of this post. It has been a fantastic experience for me. I have cultivated new relationships with people who will be friends for a lifetime. Being at the helm has its hectic moments though, especially during our convention—mine being AWCI’s 100th anniversary in Florida this spring.
Over the 12-month span, I also attended a number of meetings at various chapters. I apologize that I couldn’t make them all.
Internationally, AWCI is recognized worldwide. Our association was recognized in China this year, and in the coming weeks I will represent AWCI in England.
We, as an organization, offer so much to our members, but it can take time (and your involvement) to understand just how much value it can offer. The depth of experience of the people who volunteer here is unsurpassed by any organization with which I have been associated. I recommend to everyone to come and find out what I experienced and what I learned. Get involved with AWCI. It will provide value to your organization and to you personally.
In addition to being 2017–2018 president of the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry, Sellers is president of OCP Contractors, which has offices in Cleveland, Columbus and Toledo, Ohio.
