As part of Small Staff Appreciation Month, I’m profiling different small staff associations all month long. Today’s interview is with Teri Carden of Florida Society of Association Executives.

How many staff members does your organization have and how many members?
We’re small but mighty with five staff members and 800+ members.

How long have you worked there and what is your role?
I’ve been with FSAE for 2.5 years as the Director of Marketing & Technology

Have you ever worked outside the association management industry?
I was the general manager of  11 Gourmet Gelato and Cookie Retail Locations in Nashville, Tenn.

What’s the best thing about working for a small staff association? The worst?
Small staff association professionals have to be multifaceted and wear many hats. It can be overwhelming at times to be your own director and your own administrator. The best part about working as a small staff is that you can be agile and quick decision-makers when necessary.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about small staff associations?
Two things: Big things come In small packages and regardless of the size of the staff or the number of members, “You can’t do today’s job with yesterday’s methods and be in business tomorrow.”