By Breanna Appling, account associate
In this feature, we interview one of our fabulous team members to show a little spotlight on the staff that makes IMI great. Today we’re highlighting Lee Claassen.
Originally from Coldwater, Mich., Lee Claassen has dedicated many years creating a career path for herself that is unstoppable. Lee has been a part of the IMI team since 2016 and has been involved with the association management industry for over three decades. She received her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Grand Valley State University and went on to pursue graduate studies at the University of Virginia. She not only boasts executive leadership experience in trade associations, professional societies and charitable organization, but is also knowledgeable in strategic marketing, fundraising and organizational development. We asked Lee a little bit about herself. Check out what she had to say!
IMI: Who is the one person you always find yourself asking for advice?
Lee: My best friend Cindie. She has lived all over the world and is familiar with many different cultures. I find her perspective on people invaluable, and she never hesitates to remind me that it’s not always about me.
IMI: What is one thing that people would be surprised to know about you?
Lee: My father is 97, my siblings are 17 and 15 years older than me, I have a niece that’s only 12 years younger than me, and I have four great nieces and nephews.
IMI: Who/what is one thing that gives you inspiration?
Lee: Waking up every morning! Also, I love the opportunity to be creative and to work with my hands. The second bedroom in my apartment is a studio/craft room that is my happy place.
IMI: What’s one challenge you had to overcome being in the Association Management Industry?
Lee: Learning how to be patient (which can still be a challenge for me). Decisions are typically made by consensus and nothing moves very quickly in non-profit organizations.
IMI: What is one misconception about an AMC?
Lee: That everyone works with multiple clients, which we know isn’t always the case.
Want to know more about association management? Contact us at info@imiae.com to find out more about what IMI Association Executives can do for your organization.