Mick Nissen, CHAE, CHTP, controller for Sharon Heights Golf & Country Club in Menlo Park, Calif. has been volunteering with HFTP Global since 2006. He currently serves on the Certification Advisory Council, which just finished re-writing exam questions for the online CHAE practice test. He previously served on the Education Advisory Council and Nominating Committee.
And this fall, he will continue his dedication to the association by joining the HFTP Global Board of Directors.
I recently asked Mick a few questions about why he volunteers for HFTP and why others should volunteer for an HFTP advisory council or committee.
How long have you been volunteering for HFTP?
At my first Annual Convention in 2006 I attended the HFTP Leadership Opportunities session and completed the Council and Committee volunteer form – which I now do every year. Prior to that, I have been active at the local chapter level serving as a chapter board member and officer.
What made you decide to initially volunteer with HFTP?
While attending my first HFTP event, I couldn’t help but notice the camaraderie and support that the members shared. I wanted to be a part of that and figured volunteering would be the best way to do it.
What is your favorite part about being on an HFTP council?
The best part of serving on a committee or council is meeting new and interesting people from around the country – and the world. While spending time with people during the conferences is nice, it is hard to get to know people very well in such a short “busy” time. Being part of a council gives you more time to get to know some of the brightest, friendliest and supportive members in the association.
What was something that surprised you once you joined a council that you weren’t expecting?
The thing that surprised me most about being on a council was how quickly a group of individuals from different parts of the country or world and different occupations (i.e. hotel, club, finance, technology) can so quickly gel into a cohesive unit. Part of that is because of the operational and organizational skills of the HFTP staff, but the other part of it is because of the passion that members of the committees have to make HFTP a success.
What advice would you give to someone that is thinking about volunteering to join a council but is unsure?
To anyone thinking about volunteering for a committee or council I would encourage them to “just do it.” Your level of participation on any given council is up to you and every little bit helps. The members I have met on various committees are open and supportive and are sure to make you feel comfortable. Whether you are shy or outgoing you will be welcomed and I am confident that you will learn something about both the association and yourself.
Anything else you’d like to add?
They say that you only get out of something what you put into it. Well that is definitely true with involvement with HFTP. As a matter of fact, it has been my experience that getting involved in HFTP has paid back dividends well in excess of what I have put into it.
Pardon the reference, but volunteering in HFTP is like a drug: The more you get involved, the more you want to get involved and the next thing you know – you’re hooked!
I can really only speak for myself, but I have been involved in a number of different volunteer organizations and by far this is one of the most rewarding. I will continue to volunteer with HFTP and I would urge you to as well.
HFTP is currently recruiting volunteers for the 2011-2012 year. If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out the volunteer form by Friday, August 19.
