The_Ledger_Spring_2019

Starting From Scratch Rethinking AAA’s Governance Structure

BY JESSIE TOPP-BECKER, MANAGING EDITOR R egardless of size or scope, all organizations strive to make an impact. The key to an organization making a lasting impact is members working together to accomplish a common goal. With diverse members and ideas, that can sometimes be a challenge. But it doesn’t have to be. A well-thought out governance structure, effective communication processes and active members help organizations make long-term impacts. Prior to addressing American Ab erdeen Association (AAA) members during the 2019 AAA Annual Banquet, Paul Moya, Millennial Labs CEO, spent time asking members about their vi sion for the association. While gather ing member feedback, one word kept recurring – unity. As a breed, American Aberdeen is in a unique position to meet growing consumer demand, but in order to do that, the association and members

have to come together to capitalize on the opportunity. “I think there’s a huge opportunity on the line through this association,” Moya said. “If we could come together as one and figure out how to govern and lead this association effectively, then we can actually capitalize on those opportunities.” To move forward, Moya suggested rethinking the organization’s current structure. “If we started from scratch right now in this association, how would we think about our governance struc ture?” he asked. Sometimes people think that being an effective organization or company is all about size and sophistication, but it’s not. Rather, it’s about under standing the right structure to have in place where every stakeholder has the opportunity to share ideas. To unite the association and move to a place where members can capital

Paul Moya addresses the Aberdeen Association annual meeting in Denver.

ize on various opportunities, Moya sug gested a new board of directors and committee structure that is focused on active participation and effective com munication. Transparency is key to being a uni fied association. Every AAA member should know the role of the board and

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