Q&A with HBA Staff
The Federation’s Executive Officers and HBA staff are dedicated and knowledgeable about the housing industry and know what it takes to run a successful association. During HBA Staff Appreciation Week, the EOC will publish daily Q&As featuring insights and best practices on association management from HBA staff across the country. Bookmark this page and check back daily the week of Nov. 11 to read the interviews.
Natalie Fryer
Natalie Fryer
EOC President and EO of HBA of Fayetteville (N.C.)
“A true leader puts the needs of their team or organization first. By focusing on serving others, you build a stronger, more engaged team. It's about lifting people up and helping them reach their potential, rather than just focusing on your own power or success.” Read more in Natalie’s Q&A.
Colby Goodman
Colby Goodman
Director of Memberships and Councils, Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (Bellevue, Wash.)
“No one expects you to be a superhero when you’re starting out, so don’t be. Learn one thing and do it well, then move on to learning something else, but keep yourself in a tight circle of a few things in which you are an expert — you can’t be an expert in everything.” Read more in Colby’s Q&A.
Amanda Passwaters
Amanda Passwaters
Membership & Communications Director, Greater Orlando (Fla.) BA
“You can’t please everyone. I pour my time, energy, and heart into helping members succeed and adapting to their unique needs. While I strive to make each member feel valued and supported, I’ve learned it’s impossible to meet every expectation.” Read more in Amanda’s Q&A.
Maureen Mullen
Maureen Mullen
Director of Member Services and Senior Leadership, HBA of North Carolina
“Use the vast knowledge of the EOs and HBA Staff from other HBAs. Whether its local, state or national there are so many knowledgeable people who are more than willing to share what they know.” Read more in Maureen’s Q&A.
Jeff Smith
Jeff Smith
HBA of Greater Tulsa (Okla.)
“We do our best to set expectations very early in the onboarding process. Our new members will know exactly what is needed on their end to see the most success in their membership and a new staff member will know exactly what positive outcomes are needed in their role as a team player within the organization.” Read more in Jeff Smith’s Q&A.
Aimee Bertrand
Aimee Bertrand
EO, The Greater Houston BA
“We host biannual Member Orientation sessions and follow them up with a President’s reception. This gives the members the opportunity to hear from several GHBA members about their own experiences with GHBA and what they have found most valuable to their businesses.” Read more in Aimee’s Q&A.
Adrian Cain
Adrian Cain
EO, Charleston (S.C.) HBA
“It takes time and intention to put yourself out there, but its more than worth the effort and before long you will have a set of peers that you can call on when you have an issue, challenges, or opportunities that you need advice and counsel on.” Read more in Adrian’s Q&A.
Ruth Ann Miller
Ruth Ann Miller
EO, Athens Area HBA (Watkinsville, Ga.)
“Never underestimate the relationship with your fellow EOs. There are days when you need a sounding board for presenting a new idea, navigating hard conversations with members, needing a second set of hands at an event, and having conversations that help you grow as a person and in your professional role.” Read more in Ruth Ann’s Q&A.
Greg Lane
Greg Lane
EO, BIA of Washington
“Take the initiative. If your state doesn’t have an organized EOC, start one. If you aren’t attending AMC or NAHB Leadership Meetings, make the case to your local board to add that expense to your budget. The return on that investment to your local association will pay off.” Read more in Greg’s Q&A.
Mike Erdmann
Mike Erdmann
EO, HBA of Marion and Polk Counties (Salem, Ore.)
“I focus on setting clear boundaries, ensuring work doesn’t overshadow family time or personal interests. This means prioritizing what truly needs my attention and letting go of the rest. By structuring my schedule to include time for family and personal activities, I can work to stay engaged in both areas without compromising either.” Read more in Mike’s Q&A.
Holly Fraccaro
Holly Fraccaro
EO, HBA of Durham, Orange & Chatham Counties (Durham, N.C.)
“I am very intentional about scheduling time for self-care, especially during the big events that has me and my team working intense hours to deliver an excellent event. For me self-care includes meditation, yoga, working out, and massage. I also insist my team does the same for themselves!” Read more in Holly’s Q&A.
