Executive Director Essentials

If you are an Executive Director, want to become an Executive Director, or are a newly Board of Director, this is the perfect book for you. Executive Director 101 is a must-read for all Executive Directors in association, chamber of commerce, and non-profit fields. This book includes topics like strategic planning, governance, membership development, and financial management. Dot Miller also gives strategies for overcoming obstacles you may face in your day-to-day operations.

Congratulations on becoming an Executive Director! The world of associations, chambers of commerce, and nonprofits is an incredible world in which to lead. Every day is different. From meetings and events to membership growth and retention, to more meetings and even more emails, we want to help you prepare for this roller coaster. It is our sincere hope that we can offer the advice and guidance you need to get started. Always remember the mission of your organization and the loyalty of your volunteers, and don't be afraid to call on your peers. Other Executive Directors in the nonprofit community are often your best source of support and advice. We have all been where you are now and are happy to help. We strongly recommend you join and get involved in your professional association--your state/national association for executives, state/national chamber professionals association, or state/national nonprofit council. Participating in programs and events with your peers will keep you on top of emerging trends, legislative issues that could affect your organization, and new membership growth, engagement, and retention ideas. Keep learning, attending professional development luncheons, and watching webinars. Your calendar is going to seem overwhelming at times; however, making time for professional development is critical to your success as a leader. Consider attaining a designation or a micro-credential to enhance your competence and credibility. This book is an easy read. It was written as a resource guide, not a book you need to sit down and read front to back. There are sample documents, links to resources, hints, tips, and success stories. Let us help you be successful in your leadership role. Dot Miller, CAE and Sam Miller

Dot Miller has been a fixture in the Colorado business community for over a decade, and in that time she has demonstrated unparalleled passion and commitment for her work and her community. Dot is the CEO of The Solution, co-Founder of the National Credentialing Institute, author of Executive Director 101 and serves as the Mayor Pro Tem on the Arvada City Council. At the helm of The Solution, an association management company that will maximize the value and potential of member organizations while stimulating growth & engagement, Dot is fiercely loyal to her clients. Prior to starting her company, Dot was the CEO of the Professional Independent Insurance Agents of Colorado and before that the President of the Arvada Chamber of Commerce. Dot was a business owner herself for years before getting involved in the Chamber and Association worlds. She holds a Certified Association Executive designation and is extremely passionate about helping businesses, nonprofits and membership organizations thrive. She spends a great portion of her time working with Executive Directors, and Boards of Directors, across the country. That commitment led her to write Executive Director 101: What New Execs Need To Know For Success. This resource book helps nonprofit and membership organizations with key elements of how to run a successful organization. Her work with new Executive Directors is what led her to team up with friends Keith and Adrienne Segundo to create the National Credentialing Institute. New executives are busy, as are aspiring executives. Dot wanted to help teach executives how to be successful in micro-burst learning increments. Quick and easy to learn with tangible take-aways that execs could implement in their new role. Webinars, books and resources available on demand, when a busy exec can make time for them. After owning a business that employed 30 teenagers, Dot founded a non-profit organization called the Jefferson County Business Education Alliance to help students become workforce ready; for this, she was Jefferson County Schools CTE Program's Business Person of the Year as well as Channel 7's Everyday Hero award. She co-founded the Arvada Vitality Alliance, a non-profit organization which seeks to raise funds from private entities to benefit the many non-profits that serve Arvada. Dot currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Blues & BBQ for Better Housing Foundation. Dot's hard work and dedication have not gone unrecognized in the community—in the past few years, she has been honored with the Denver Business Journal's Forty Under 40 Award and the Arvada Young Professionals Leadership Award. The Denver Post named her one of Tomorrow's Most Influential Women in Colorado. The Association of Colorado Chambers of Commerce (ACCC)awarded her the CEO of the Year. Dot lives in Arvada, Colorado, with her husband Ranger and her dog Diesel. Dot and Ranger were recently presented with the Image Award in Arvada for all they do for their community.