Her Story
About Crystal
I've worked in association management for over 18 years, starting as a client strategist working boots on the ground with different aspects of association management, from membership and technology to assisting with legislative and regulatory initiatives and event planning. I moved into the executive director position for PHCC following COVID, and in that role I've been able to really focus my time on two major parts: their educational resources and opportunities, as well as legislative and regulatory changes. Currently, I'm a staff of one, so every day is a little bit different and priorities are constantly shifting, but that's actually the fun of the job in my opinion. It could be assisting apprentices with working through their apprenticeship program towards licensure in the field, supporting my board members in all of our strategic initiatives, working with our lobbyists on legislative matters (which is a very hot topic at the moment), all the way to just general membership calls and how we can work through whatever it is that we need to do to support them.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Crystal
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Never be afraid to ask the question. Just plain and simple. The worst they can ever tell you is no. That is something I learned from one of my first mentors when I was still in college, and unfortunately, that person recently passed away. But I have carried that message with me throughout everything - every step of my career, every step of my education. I've always just asked the question.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be brave. Don't accept no for an answer, even when you ask that question. And always ask, what if? I'm not a status quo kind of person, so there's a lot - especially in the industry that I am in, it is very much a man's world, with plumbing contractors. A lot of times, I am the only female in the room. Well, most of the time, I am the only female in the room, and it's just having the confidence to know that you deserve to be there, there's a reason you're there, and just be brave. You deserve to be in that room.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I think authenticity and integrity are most important. It's so funny, because when I talk to my teenagers, those are words that come out a lot - that you can do anything in life, but always maintain your integrity, and always be honest with people. So I think I carry that, or I hope I carry that, in both walks of my life, in both professional and personal.
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