I’m currently running for Secretary of the NSCAA. The election winner will be announced at the annual business meeting at the NSCAA Convention in Kansas City on Friday, Jan. 13, so as we’re getting closer to the event, I thought it would be good to share my answers to the 12 questions the NSCAA asks each candidate to file. This was also published in the Fall 2011 issue of Soccer Journal.

1. Years as a member: 10

2. Current position/involvement in the game of soccer: Social Media Strategist at MLS

3. Please list NSCAA Board, Committee or Academy experience: Women’s Committee Chair from 2007-present, Board of Directors from 2008-present and Premier Diploma Graduate in January 2011

4. I want to serve on the NSCAA Board of Directors because: I firmly believe in the NSCAA’s mission to advance and support the coaching of soccer for the greater good of the game. The NSCAA has been there every step of my soccer career – from coaching education to networking events and international trips. It’s been the foundation upon which so many organizations I’ve been a part of have built their livelihoods, and I welcome the opportunity to give back to the membership association that has given so much to me.

5. I feel my strongest qualifications for this position are: my deep knowledge of the Association from the board level and national office to constituent groups and general membership. I also have a strong working knowledge of the NSCAA Academy, Events, Digital and Marketing programs. I’m well versed in the American soccer community, having worked in Digital Media for both the MLS and WPS league offices, coached in the college game as the Head Coach at NYU and Graduate Assistant at The College of New Jersey, played collegiate soccer at the University of Wyoming, and spent many years coaching within the youth game. But most importantly, I’m passionate about the NSCAA.

6. During my tenure on the NSCAA Board of Directors I would like to see: the Association grow in revenue so that we can offer more extensive programming for our membership.

7. What steps would you propose the NSCAA take to improve its image and influence within the U.S. soccer community? I believe the NSCAA currently upholds a strong reputation within the U.S. soccer community, and building upon that by engaging more members in a meaningful way will increase the Association’s influence. Ways we may accomplish this include developing more non-residential courses across the country, increasing attendance at the annual convention and developing programs and events for a larger and more diverse coaching community.

8. What steps would you propose the NSCAA take to enhance its position as a leader of coaching education in the U.S.? The NSCAA has built a tremendous coaching education program. A key to enhancing its position is offering more courses and educational events that people can attend, and then effectively sharing information, dates, times and locations. I think word of mouth is our best marketing tool, for I know that every time I complete an Academy course or attend an annual Convention, I’m reenergized and excited about tackling anything this game can throw at me.

9. What steps would you propose the NSCAA take to better serve its members? The NSCAA works incredibly hard to serve its members with the resources at hand, but I think creating digital assets like online registration and internet-based educational programming is one of the greatest services we can provide for our members at present.

10. Given the current economic climate, what types of creative fiscal strategies have you observed that might be transferable and thus positively impact the NSCAA’s economic planning? At both WPS and MLS I’ve seen the true value in every dollar earned and have found that financial resources are best spent on committed and passionate people. Then, giving those employees the proper tools and support to succeed is paramount. Of course, sometimes we have to make difficult financial choices, and I’ve learned to base decisions on analytics and return on investment (ROI) whenever possible.

11. What learning experiences have you had in other organizations that you will bring to your work as a member of the NSCAA Board of Directors? I think the biggest learning experience I can bring to the Board is my diversity and empathy having worked both on the pitch and in the front office in both the men and women’s games. I’m a coach – first and foremost – and I believe in the coaches’ influence on the game at all levels. However I will do my best to support the education and enrichment of all those involved in the global game.

12. What other types of organizational experiences will you bring to your position that might be unique and contribute to the continued progress of the NSCAA? As a result of my extensive work in digital and social media I believe I can support the development of effective marketing and communications strategies, but I welcome the opportunity to help in whatever way is best for the Association.