By Michele Gillis
Staff Writer
The future often depends on the past, and incoming NEFAR President Carol Hill says she’s leaned on her predecessors.
Outgoing president Millie Kanyar of Watson Realty is one, and she’s had a busy year.
“We have come a long way since January, starting with the Strategic Plan, the changes to our listing and purchase agreements, the public relations campaign and the Leadership Development Academy, just to name a few,” said Kanyar. “It’s been a very fast year packed with lots of milestones and lots of help from fantastic folks.”
Kanyar said that it takes a lot besides the association requirements to be a leader of NEFAR.
“You need a commitment to serve and the desire to focus on the needs of the association, its members and the public,” said Kanyar.
Her positive attitude and determination to continue no matter what the market was doing helped to have a successful and purposeful year.
“More than anything else I learned that our members are strong and willing to rise to the challenge in our market,” she said. “We have many members that are behind-the-scenes workers who help make this association what it is and are very valuable.”
Kanyar’s year was a bit different due to the economy and budget concerns.
“We have a great board and they made tough decisions to insure that we have a strong association and we are ready to face next year’s challenges,” said Kanyar.
Leading an organization takes more than just experience - it takes a certain kind of person.
“What they look for is someone that is willing to listen and let others speak so that the board can make decisions after having ample discussion on issues,” said Kanyar. “That is why it is so important to have individuals take a position on the board that is not just ‘me’ centered but ‘member’ centered. The board has a duty to the members and it is through open discussion that ideas are heard and decisions are made.”
She has advice for others who want to lead an organization.
“I would say be passionate and committed,” said Kanyar. “People look for leaders who are willing to give of themselves for the good of the organization. It is important to be vigilant for those who can follow and take leadership after you. Identify those that can rise to lead and to support them.”