Why Knot Lead Your Board Of Directors?
Leadership matters. It shapes people, organizations, and outcomes. From politics to church, businesses to families, we’ve all seen the difference between good leadership and bad leadership.
Throughout my life, I’ve had the privilege of standing on both sides — as a follower and as a leader. And one of the most important lessons I’ve learned is this: every leader follows someone. Whether it’s a financial provider, a partner, a board, or a regulator, even leaders must follow.
So, I ask you: Do I truly lead NHLA?
The short answer is: no.
Do I lead NHLA members? No. My articles are never meant to tell you what to do — they are meant to challenge, inspire, and invite you to consider new ideas.
Do I lead the NHLA staff? Yes. It’s my job to guide their work and ensure we execute effectively.
However, even as Executive Director, I am not the sole leader in the NHLA’s activities. My role is to work with our staff and the Board of Directors to evaluate options, present recommendations, and then follow the board’s decisions — leading the staff to bring those decisions to life.
And I’m proud to do so. I am proud to follow a board made up of your peers, a board deeply committed to growing and stabilizing the hardwood industry in challenging times.
Your Board, Your Voice
It’s important to know that NHLA’s decisions are not made by one person — they are made by your peers. The Board of Directors leads this association, guiding NHLA to take the actions necessary to strengthen the hardwood industry.
The board meets twice a year, every November and April, during our Spring and Fall Conferences. These gatherings include six committee meetings, presentations from the Executive Director and Chiefs, and a full board meeting to ratify committee actions.
And here’s the best part: these meetings are open to you. For $995, you can attend, participate in all meetings and meals (except the closed full board meeting), and share your voice when recognized by the committee’s mission leader.
Your participation is one of the most powerful ways to stay informed, contribute to important decisions, and shape the future of NHLA.
What’s at Stake
This month, your board is making tough decisions about the Inspector Training School, promotion, advocacy, and other actions that will shape the next year of NHLA — all with the goal of balancing the budget, keeping costs down, and targeting the right services.
The NHLA is not mine. I don’t own it, I hold no stock, and I am paid to carry out the direction set by the board. NHLA will still be here long after I’m gone. When I walk past the photos of every ITS Student, President, Executive Director, Chief Inspector, and Director of the Inspector Training School, I’m reminded that I am just one part of a much bigger history — and my part, like others before me, will one day be a memory.
Why I’m Here
So why am I here? Because I am a problem solver who loves change, innovation, and seeing the big picture. I love association work. I love this job. I enjoy public speaking and being the face of NHLA. Most of all, I want to help the hardwood industry change for the better, adopt innovations, and achieve big-picture goals.
That is only possible when the industry comes together. The board has clearly set our mission: “Grow and Stabilize the Hardwood Industry.” I follow that mission every day and quote it often — because it is the north star guiding everything we do.
Can NHLA benefit everyone directly? No, that’s why there are so many hardwood associations with their own niches.
But can NHLA help grow and stabilize the hardwood industry? Yes. And when we do, everyone benefits — directly and indirectly.
Your board is working toward that goal, but it depends on you. They listen to your questions, input, and ideas. They work hard to put aside their company hats and do what’s right for the good of the entire industry.
And that brings me to my point:
For the good of the hardwood industry, I share my opinions and advice with the Board of Directors — and then I follow whatever decision they make.
For the good of the hardwood industry, you should do the same. Speak up, share your insight, and then support the direction your peers choose.
So — Why Knot Lead Your Board of Directors?
