A Look Through the Looking Glass

By Sean Kurtzman, Immediate Past President, SAAGNY

When I joined the SAAGNY board, I was new to the industry and eager to get involved, build relationships, and find my footing in an already established industry. I was hoping that I could begin networking in order to help grow my sales. And while it did just that, joining also proved to be the smallest part of what I gained.

I was invited to join SAAGNY’s Task Force, a committee of people excited to contribute and exchange ideas. I was so excited to say yes. It gave me a great introduction to the association and ultimately led to an invitation to serve on the board of directors. Woo!

Over the next eight years, I have had the privilege of working closely with some really great people. Through my involvement with SAAGNY, I have found trusted colleagues, great mentors, and close friends.  That’s the part of SAAGNY that doesn’t show up in the member benefits. Our industry may be competitive, but it’s also a great place to work. People here share what they know, make introductions, and show up for each other. Serving on the board for eight years, including a term as president, let me see all that up close and I’m so proud to have been a part of it.

I’m proud of what we built together and how we have navigated the challenges as well as the successes. No matter the task, everyone came to each meeting with the same goal: to make SAAGNY the best regional association it could be.

With my term ending this December, I want to thank my fellow board members, past and present, for their time, support, and of course their friendship. Thank you also to the members who made every event worth attending!

If you’ve been thinking about getting more involved, it’s definitely a worthwhile commitment.  Join a committee, volunteer at an event, or even raise your hand for the board. You may join SAAGNY for the networking like me, but you’ll stay for the friendships and amazing experiences that go with it.

Even though I’ll be stepping away from the board, I’m definitely not leaving the SAAGNY community. I look forward to seeing you at the next event!

Sean Kurtzman

Past President, SAAGNY