Pub. 4 2019 Issue 3

12 www.ctaahq.org 1. What is your name? Jessica Olander 2. Current job? Executive Director for CTAA 3. How long have you been the ED? 7 years 4. How did you get into the association management? After college I started manag- ing an office of an association and started to see the workings of how an association helps its members, provides training, advocacy and education and how important associations are for a specific industry. I loved working with the members, recruiting and retaining, and showing them the value of a membership. I also loved the special events – golf outings/ auctions/networking events… I love people! 5. What is your least favor- ite part of the job? Feeling like I didn’t get to every last thing at the end of the day. 6. Best part of the job? Something new every day! There is never the same old, same old… 7. Three words to describe yourself? Dedicated, personable, and funny. 8. Favorite city? Boston, baby! 9. Career to try for a day? Head chef at a Michelin star restaurant. 10. Favorite TV show? Right now – Game of Thrones. 11. Favorite vacation spot? North Conway, New Hamp- shire. 12. How do you motivate others? By sharing my passion and experience about the organiza- tion! Running volunteer driven groups is motivating enough. Your volunteers WANT to take the time, but don’t always have 22 QUES TIONS it…. that’s where I come in to facilitate. 13. If there was one person – alive or passed - you could have a dinner with who would it be? That’s easy – my mom! 14. What do you do in your spare time to give back to the community? I drive for meals on wheels in my town and assist local organizations setting up their fundraisers and events. 15. Do you have any pets? I have a 6-year-old black lab named Jules, 4 guinea pigs (Buttercup, Hazelnut, Bella and Gretchen) and a turtle, Stuart. Next up is chickens!! 16. What superpowers would you most like to have? Ability to fly! 17. What is your greatest achievement? My girls – they are loving, caring people and I know they are hard workers and will make great adults! 18. Where do you see your- self in 5 years? I will be finishing my CAE soon, and I hope to still be working as ED of CTAA! 19. What are you wearing when you feel your best? Jeans and a black shirt are my go-to. 20. What is your favorite food? Anything with LOBSTER! 21. What was your child- hood dream job? I wanted to be an attorney. 22. If you won the lottery what would be the first thing you would buy? A beach house!