Welcome to our second post of the “Material Handling Helpful Tools Series”. This series will blog spotlight many different material handling professionals and provide helpful information for the material handling industry. Our goal is to introduce you to individuals and websites that can improve your success in the industry. Today, we will meet the executive Vice President of MHEDA Liz Richards.

1. Tell us a little about yourself? Interests Outside of Work, Family, Pets, Hobbies, Entertainment, Special Talents…? 

I am so lucky because working at MHEDA is really a fun job that has blended my personal life and work life in such a satisfying way.  To have a position that involves travel and working with some of the greatest people in this industry has been incredibly interesting and rewarding.

When I was first hired by MHEDA, our daughter Katie was only 10 months old.  Before I accepted the position I was concerned about the travel involved and having such a young child (although my husband Ron is the best Mr. Mom husband ever), so the MHEDA Board suggested I bring her along to meetings whenever possible.  She grew up with MHEDA and it has been a terrific experience for her, not only to see the world but also to interact with some of the nicest, most professional people you’d ever meet.  As a Freshman in college now, Katie has made some wonderful contacts and friends who have helped mold her into the person she is today.

MHEDA is a big part of our family and my husband, parents, sister and daughter have all been at a MHEDA event at one time or another.

We are fortunate to live on lakefront property in the Chicago suburbs so we spend a lot of time on the water, boating, swimming, paddle boarding…of course, when it’s not snowing or raining here in the Midwest!  Even our Golden Retriever Roxy likes to paddle board!  (Photos of husband Ron and daughter Katie on the paddle board with Roxy attached on a tube)

 

  

2. Liz, as the executive Vice President of MHEDA what exactly is your role in the organization? My job is to work directly with the MHEDA Board of Directors and basically oversee all facets of the association.  The board members are volunteers and each year a new member is elected president.  It has been really interesting to learn a new management style every year and work with a new leader.  After 18 years working here, I can honestly say I have learned from every one of them (as well as all the individual board members) and consider each of them to be a mentor.  How cool is that?!

3. How did your career path land you in this role? Prior to working at MHEDA I was employed by a large Retirement Community/Health Care facility as the Executive Director.  Our attorney, Tony Colletti had left private law and ended up working at MHEDA as the Executive Vice President.  After one year working here, he realized the job wasn’t for him and asked me to meet with the search

committee.  It’s funny how things happen…I wasn’t looking for a new job and knew nothing about association management or material handling for that matter.  They offered me the position more or less on a trial basis and here I am today!

4. As a woman in a male dominated industry do you have any advice to offer other women looking to get into the material handling industry?
I don’t really think in terms of being a “woman” in this industry and of course I have been asked this question many times.  People have told me I am very approachable and perhaps that helps remove any barriers.  I have always felt like “one of the guys.”

5. What is the Overall Goal of MHEDA?
Our goal is provide members with the tools they need to succeed and prosper.  We developed a strategic planning process at MHEDA which has served us extremely well by uncovering the key issues and challenges members are facing.  As a board we go through a very comprehensive environmental analysis of the marketplace and as a result of this process we develop Critical Impact Factors defining these issues.  Annual goals and action steps are built around these.  Personally, my goal is to make sure I am always uncovering the needs of our members and providing solutions for them.

6. Rumor has it you are on google+ and twitter..very impressive.. How have you seen social media and marketing change the material handling industry?
I am still a newbie with social media but we have gotten very involved with Twitter most recently and have begun “dipping our toes” in the Google+ pond.  Twitter has been a great way to connect with existing members and meet hundreds of other industry professionals.  I do feel like I have become an active part of the Twitter community.  It’s not only fun but has also reaped some real benefit for MHEDA by raising awareness of who we are and what we do.  A few members have joined as a result.  You can follow me on Twitter @MHEDAOffice or use hashtag #MHEDA to follow our updates.

7. How does one become a Member of MHEDA?
It’s easy to join MHEDA right from our website: www.mheda.org.  Just click on Join MHEDA!  Of course I am always interested in hearing from anyone who wants to learn more about what we offer and how MHEDA can benefit an organization.  Call or email me anytime: 847-680-3500 or e-mail.

WPRP would like to thank Liz for taking the time to help us out and tell us a little bit about herself.
Make sure to follow and connect with Liz on…   Google+   |    Twitter    |     Linkedin   and feel free to contact WPRP with any questions you may have 888-578-1579 or e-mail.