Tricia Spayer: Questions & Answers
For the office of Director
Director Questions & Candidate Answers | Member Questions & Candidate Answers
Tricia Spayer
Describe your governance or leadership philosophy, skills, and experience. Provide an example of a situation where you applied your philosophy to address a challenge, and the result.
I prefer to gather information and feedback from multiple resources, keep an open mind, and encourage others to contribute. I maintain a positive atmosphere where participants feel respected.
I believe in leading by example. I am currently serving as STC Director, and am doing my best to follow-up on each issue in which I am involved. In my positions at NEO STC, I always completed the work I promised.
I am able to coordinate large projects and communicate their financial impact. At Pressco, the Training department and I were working in silos, resulting in disparate documentation. I researched many solutions, gained support from several department managers, and sold my idea to our President. In my proposal, I provided return on investment examples to support my ideas. We purchased a large software package, which we use in several departments. Pressco recognized the value of collaboration in our organization, and accepted my vision that this solution provides for future expansion.
A strong indicator of future success is past success. What positions have you held that involved the responsibilities of the office you are seeking, what specific responsibilities were assigned to that position, and what was the result of your efforts?
I am serving STC as Director-at-large. I helped to form the current Community Affairs Committee (CAC) which is providing community leaders the support and training that they need. Current leaders are finding our Leaders Resource webinars helpful.
I served on the Executive Council for the Northeast Ohio STC chapter for six years, including the President position.
Responsibilities of President included overseeing chapter activities and its financial status. During this time, I was on a planning committee for a regional conference, where I was responsible for posters, graphics, and mailings. The results of this work included winning the Chapter of Excellence award, the STC Membership Renewal, and holding a highly successful and profitable regional conference.
I served on a committee that entered the STC PR competition. Responsibilities included gathering information, correspondence, and compiling a timeline of activities. These efforts resulted in winning the STC PR Award of Distinction.
STC’s board members must think strategically about the Society’s future goals and objectives, while maintaining fiscal viability in a changing landscape. What experiences have prepared you for the strategic planning and fiscal oversight required of a board member?
During my time as STC Director, I’ve learned to look at the big picture and future of the Society in making decisions. I’ve been involved in the budgeting process and strategic planning discussions. I know that there is limited budget to do all the activities we want to do; therefore we must prioritize our spending.
Being on the Executive Board for NEO STC for six years, I was involved in strategic planning for several years. I know that ideas take time, energy, and the support of the Administrative Council. I know that ideas do not get implemented overnight – they must be planted and nurtured well to grow. From this, I learned patience and diligence, and to listen to our members.
Our chapter held a successful conference in 2007, where we gained revenue from sponsors. In our planning meetings, we discussed many ideas that affected our budget. By spending wisely, we made a good profit. From this I learned to think ahead in terms of benefitting our members in the long run.
As an STC board member, there will be some demands on your time during normal business hours. Describe the corporate support or alternative resolution that you currently have in place to allow your full participation in STC board activities.
I have secured my employer, Pressco Technology Inc.’s, support of my running for Director. I prepared a summary of estimated time and expenses I might incur over the next two years. They fully support my desire to run for this position and recognize the responsibilities and time commitments associated with being a Director, provided I complete my work projects in a timely manner. I am currently serving as STC Director, and I served on the executive board of the Northeast Ohio STC chapter for six years, during which I had demands of my time during business hours. This has not been a problem.
Provide an example of a time when your integrity was tested and prevailed.
On one project, I used an external vendor for translation services, which I had done countless times previously. I received initial quotes for this project and submitted them to my supervisor. When the project came back incomplete, I dug into the source text and found that I was at fault by not tagging everything I should have. I took responsibility for this, made necessary corrections, sent the additional text for translation, and the project turned out successfully. I take ownership of my projects, and am the first to admit if I make a mistake.
What are your personal reasons for wanting to serve as Director?
I was recently elected for a one-year term as STC Director. I’m just beginning to help the Community Affairs Committee (CAC) form and to create the Leaders’ Resource webinar series. One year is not enough to complete the work our committee has started. I know that community leaders need better training, resources, and collaboration tools to succeed and to sustain our communities.
STC is going through some big, exciting changes right now. I want to keep contributing my experience and energy to the success of STC.
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