Episode 513 focuses on the Association Business and Association Executives. Thom Singer interviews Scott Grayson, Executive Director and CEO for both the American Public Works Association and the Canadian Public Works Association. Thom has known Scott for several years, as he has worked as a speaker and master of ceremonies for the association’s PWX Expo for the past three years. They often talk about how the most successful association executives have the entrepreneurial spirit, and how associations that are growing take risks, get out of comfort zones, and empower employees and members.This episode is a “must hear” conversation for everyone who works in and around the world of associations.
About Scott Grayson
Scott Grayson serves as Executive Director/CEO for both the American Public Works Association (APWA) and the Canadian Public Works Association (CPWA). In this role, he leads the organizations’ operations to provide strategic leadership and ensure that the vision and core values of APWA and CPWA are communicated and implemented at all levels of the organization. Grayson serves as the spokesperson, along with the APWA and CPWA Presidents, on behalf of APWA’s 30,000 members. He collaborates with key stakeholders in the public works sector including: the U.S. Congress, Canadian Parliament, federal, and provincial/state branches of government and agencies.
Before joining APWA as Executive Director, Scott served as the Associate Managing Director for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE) located in Washington, D.C. He was responsible for programs related to employment, career and professional development, licensure and registration, and provided support for the IEEE-USA Board of Directors. Grayson worked in the areas of communications, public relations, chapter relations, membership development, strategic planning, conference management, fundraising, research, and most recently worked with student and young professional member engagement. He was with IEEE-USA since 1990 and had been responsible for grassroots, state and federal legislative programs including being a staff liaison to numerous scientific engineering and legal organizations to build coalitions.
Grayson also served on the Golden Valley, Minn. City Council and was Chair of the Golden Valley Housing Redevelopment Authority He holds a bachelor of arts degree in political science from the University of Wisconsin and a master’s in Latin American & Caribbean Studies from New York University, specializing in international relations and economic development. He is also an active member of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), from which he holds a Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential, Association for Talent Development (ATD) and the Council for Engineering and Scientific Society Executives (CESSE).
About APWA
The American Public Works Association (APWA) serves professionals in all aspects of public works—a fact that sets it apart from other organizations and makes it an effective voice of public works throughout North America. With a worldwide membership more than 30,000 strong, APWA includes not only personnel from local, county, state/province, and federal agencies, but also private sector personnel who supply products and services to those professionals.
Membership in APWA is open to any individual, agency, or corporation with an interest in public works and infrastructure issues. Titles common to the membership include public works directors; city engineers; city managers; fleet managers; property and equipment superintendents; utilities managers; community development directors; transportation managers; park directors; county officials; and representatives from engineering and other consulting firms, manufacturers, construction companies, and a multitude of other service providers.
Although originally chartered in the United States in 1937, APWA has roots in two predecessor groups that reach back to 1894, and has 63 chapters in North America, which includes eight chapters in Canada. A 17-member Board of Directors, all of whom are elected by Association members, governs APWA as a whole.
CPWA logoThe Canadian Public Works Association (CPWA) or Association Canadienne des Travaux Publics, was founded in 1986 to enhance the services of APWA to the Canadian public works community. All members of a CPWA chapter are members of APWA.
As a comprehensive public works resource, APWA continues in its rich tradition of making a difference both on an individual and professional level. APWA is a not-for-profit, 501 (c) (3) organization that prides itself on its ability to provide varied educational and networking opportunities that help public works personnel to grow in their professionalism and directly impact the quality of life in all the communities they serve.
About Thom Singer
Thom Singer is a Keynote Speaker and Professional Master of Ceremonies / EmCee for association conferences. Thom is the author of 12 books and the host of two podcasts (“Cool Things Entrepreneurs Do” and “The Digital Enterprise Society Podcast”).