{"id":9921,"date":"2020-04-23T18:00:15","date_gmt":"2020-04-23T18:00:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.naylor.com\/associationadviser\/?p=9921"},"modified":"2020-04-23T18:30:11","modified_gmt":"2020-04-23T18:30:11","slug":"angela-kisskeys-sarah-ruzek-co-leadership","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.naylor.com\/associationadviser\/angela-kisskeys-sarah-ruzek-co-leadership\/","title":{"rendered":"Co-Leading and Succeeding: Angela Kisskeys and Sarah Ruzek, Associations North"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"contentsContainer\">\n<div id=\"contents\">\n<p id=\"E61\"><span id=\"E62\">The ideals of mutual support and collaboration run deep in association life. For the past three years, Angela Kisskeys and Sarah Ruzek have been exploring and pushing the boundaries of those ideas as co-directors of<\/span><span id=\"E63\"> <\/span><a id=\"E64\" href=\"https:\/\/www.associationsnorth.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span id=\"E65\">Associations North<\/span><\/a><span id=\"E66\">. Their story of developing a new leadership style is an intriguing lesson in innovation for all leaders.<\/span><\/p>\n<p id=\"E67\"><span id=\"E68\">In early 2017, the president of Associations North announced she would be retiring after 28 years at the helm. While the staff and board of directors began implementing the established succession plan and considering a replacement, Angela Kisskeys, director of marketing and communications, and Sarah Ruzek, director of education, both felt they were ready for more in their careers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p id=\"E69\"><span id=\"E70\">\u201cSarah and I had been in staff roles with Associations North for 10 years, so we had a natural synergy and strong working<\/span><span id=\"E71\"> <\/span><span id=\"E72\">relationship with each other. We knew we <\/span><span id=\"E73\">could <\/span><span id=\"E74\">apply for the President position individually, but we discussed the &#8216;crazy&#8217; idea of teaming up and putting together a different leadership style grounded in Associations North\u2019s culture of collaboration,\u201d Kisskeys said. \u201cOur goals for the association were very much aligned, and together we thought we had the right mix of complementary strengths as well as a proven history to apply as co-directors<\/span><span id=\"E75\">.\u201d<\/span><span id=\"E76\"><\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_9983\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-9983\" style=\"width: 640px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-9983\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naylor.com\/associationadviser\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/03\/Sarah-Ruzek-and-Angela-Kisskeys-Associations-North-Edited.jpg\" alt=\"Sarah Ruzek and Angela Kisskeys\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naylor.com\/associationadviser\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/03\/Sarah-Ruzek-and-Angela-Kisskeys-Associations-North-Edited.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naylor.com\/associationadviser\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/03\/Sarah-Ruzek-and-Angela-Kisskeys-Associations-North-Edited-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.naylor.com\/associationadviser\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/03\/Sarah-Ruzek-and-Angela-Kisskeys-Associations-North-Edited-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-9983\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Sarah Ruzek, left, and Angela Kisskeys, right, are co-directors of Associations North. When the former president vacated the position after 28 years at the helm, Ruzek and Kisskeys decided to apply for the position together with a proposed model of co-leadership.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"E77\"><span id=\"E78\">The Associations North <\/span><span id=\"E79\">board<\/span><span id=\"E80\"> of directors were<\/span><span id=\"E81\"> <\/span><span id=\"E82\">open to multiple leadership options, including a new solitary leader or contracting with an association management company, as well as Kisskeys and Ruzek\u2019s co-leadership model. <\/span><\/p>\n<p id=\"E83\"><span id=\"E84\">To prepare for their interviews, Kisskeys and Ruzek conducted a lot of research <\/span><a id=\"E85\" href=\"https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/2014\/10\/18\/co-leading-perils-boons-and-tactics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span id=\"E86\">about co-leadership<\/span><\/a><span id=\"E87\">. While they found plenty of documented case studies in the for-profit world, they found just a few cases of <\/span><a id=\"E88\" href=\"https:\/\/nonprofitquarterly.org\/directors-sharing-power-leadership\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span id=\"E89\">non-profit co-leadership<\/span><\/a><span id=\"E90\">. They reached out to those organizations with questions and soaked up as much of their experience as possible before putting together a 32-page co-leadership proposal for their board and the executive search firm assisting with the recruitment process.<\/span><\/p>\n<p id=\"E91\"><span id=\"E92\">\u201cWe <\/span><span id=\"E93\">though<\/span><span id=\"E94\">t through all possible daily and outlier scenarios that could crop up under our leadership, and came up with answers to the tough <\/span><span id=\"E95\">questions<\/span><span id=\"E96\"> like, Who will make a decision? What if there is conflict?\u201d said Ruzek. \u201cWe documented every concern and decision-making process we could think of to provide clarity about how this new leadership model would work. We also addressed our proposed compensation: it should be the same. This co-director relationship is built on an equal partnership. We wanted to reflect that in its entirety.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p id=\"E97\"><span id=\"E98\">The search firm guiding Associations North through the hiring process, along with the selection committee, were overwhelmed and impressed by the sheer thought that went into applying for the role. Ultimately, their shared vision was the right fit at the right time and Kisskeys and Ruzek were hired in April 2017. From there, the two women worked with the outgoing president<\/span><span id=\"E99\"> <\/span><span id=\"E100\">to transfer responsibilities and introduce Kisskeys and Ruzek \u2013 and the idea of co-directorship \u2013 to members. They developed an <\/span>FAQ page on the Associations North website, published introductory articles in association publications, and made their presence known at events.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_9984\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-9984\" style=\"width: 640px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-9984\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naylor.com\/associationadviser\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/03\/2019_Leadership_Conference-Associations-North-Edited.jpg\" alt=\"Group of association leaders holding &quot;Yes&quot; signs in a hotel ballroom\" width=\"640\" height=\"392\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naylor.com\/associationadviser\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/03\/2019_Leadership_Conference-Associations-North-Edited.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naylor.com\/associationadviser\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/03\/2019_Leadership_Conference-Associations-North-Edited-300x184.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.naylor.com\/associationadviser\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/03\/2019_Leadership_Conference-Associations-North-Edited-768x470.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-9984\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Attendees at the 2019 Associations North Leadership conference pose for a photo. Members have told Ruzek and Kisskeys they were ready to see what new, innovative ideas the pair could bring to the association at a pivotal time in the organization.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"contentsContainer\">\n<div id=\"contents\">\n<p id=\"E101\"><span id=\"E102\">Although Associations North members hadn\u2019t known co-directors before, they were supportive. <\/span><span id=\"E103\">During their introductory period in spring 2017, Kisskeys and Ruzek <\/span><span id=\"E104\" class=\"qowt-font3-Roboto\">made a concerted effort to visit and connect with member associations to <\/span><span id=\"E105\" class=\"qowt-font3-Roboto\">introduce<\/span><span id=\"E106\" class=\"qowt-font3-Roboto\"> themselves and reiterate their commitment to advancing the association industry. <\/span><span id=\"E107\">Members told them that they were ready to see what <\/span><span id=\"E108\">new<\/span><span id=\"E109\">,<\/span><span id=\"E110\"> <\/span><span id=\"E111\">innovative ideas the pair could bring <\/span><span id=\"E112\">to the association at a pivotal time in the organization. There were some skeptics \u2013 but after observing Kisskeys and Ruzek\u2019s experience unfold over the past three years, those same members now joke that the two leaders work so well together they can complete each other\u2019s sentences. <\/span><span id=\"E113\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p id=\"E114\"><span id=\"E115\">\u201cAs co-leaders, we embrace and honor the tradition and the history of associations, but we\u2019re not afraid to take risks that redesign a future that is built around the changing needs of members,\u201d Ruzek said. \u201cWe want to be there for our members when they need non-traditional solutions. This is one way they can learn from us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_9986\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-9986\" style=\"width: 640px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-9986\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naylor.com\/associationadviser\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/03\/Associations-North-trade-show-photo-booth-Edited.jpg\" alt=\"Two women post for a photo using an oversized frame as a prop.\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naylor.com\/associationadviser\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/03\/Associations-North-trade-show-photo-booth-Edited.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naylor.com\/associationadviser\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/03\/Associations-North-trade-show-photo-booth-Edited-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.naylor.com\/associationadviser\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/03\/Associations-North-trade-show-photo-booth-Edited-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-9986\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>During their introductory period in spring 2017, Kisskeys and Ruzek made a concerted effort to visit and connect with member associations to introduce themselves and re-iterate their commitment to advancing the association industry.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"E116\"><span id=\"E117\">As the two women settled into their roles, they<\/span><span id=\"E118\"> solidified<\/span><span id=\"E119\"> their responsibilities or \u201clanes\u201d <\/span><span id=\"E120\">based on their individual strengths and passions. They kept some of their departmental duties while adding executive responsibilities such as governance, operations, management, finances and strategy. Besides taking on human resources management and operations, Kisskeys retains her communications tasks while Ruzek continues to oversee the association\u2019s <\/span><span id=\"E121\">education<\/span><span id=\"E122\"> initiatives in addition to acquiring financial responsibilities.<\/span><span id=\"E123\"> <\/span><span id=\"E124\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p id=\"E125\"><span id=\"E126\">They acknowledge that a shared leadership model isn\u2019t for everyone. But at the core, what makes it work for them is trust, collaboration and aligned goals. Just like any other relationship, Kisskeys and Ruzek make time to plan how they will execute board-approved strategy, approach new projects, and manage busy times of the year. Respectful communication with each other is essential.<\/span><\/p>\n<p id=\"E127\"><span id=\"E128\">\u201cWe <\/span><span id=\"E129\">respect<\/span><span id=\"E130\"> each other and remain open to communication,\u201d Ruzek explained. \u201cWe\u2019ve had some raw, difficult conversations where we\u2019ve talked about our professional weaknesses. By putting everything on the table h<\/span><span id=\"E131\">as allowed us to <\/span><span id=\"E132\">build trust and<\/span><span id=\"E133\"> develop a more effective process for how we need to communicate with each other, especiall<\/span><span id=\"E134\">y during high pressure times throughout the year. <\/span><span id=\"E135\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p id=\"E136\"><span id=\"E137\">The co-leadership model provides a good work-life balance for Kisskeys and Ruzek, both of whom have young children and want to be there for their families as much as their members. Up until recently, they work one day each week from home, and divide meetings and events so they can represent the co-director role at association functions without sacrificing family events.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_9985\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-9985\" style=\"width: 640px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-9985\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naylor.com\/associationadviser\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/03\/Angela-Kisskeys-and-Sarah-Ruzek-with-Associations-North-staff-Edited.jpg\" alt=\"Four association professional women pose for a photo.\" width=\"640\" height=\"453\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naylor.com\/associationadviser\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/03\/Angela-Kisskeys-and-Sarah-Ruzek-with-Associations-North-staff-Edited.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.naylor.com\/associationadviser\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/03\/Angela-Kisskeys-and-Sarah-Ruzek-with-Associations-North-staff-Edited-300x212.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.naylor.com\/associationadviser\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/03\/Angela-Kisskeys-and-Sarah-Ruzek-with-Associations-North-staff-Edited-768x544.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-9985\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>\u201cWe love that we\u2019re opening up new definitions of leadership, and what an effective leader looks like, in the minds of members,\u201d Kisskeys says about her and Ruzek&#8217;s co-leadership of Associations North.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>During the current situation with COVID-19, Kisskeys and Ruzek have found their co-leadership structure has been uniquely beneficial, as it allows them to collaborate on important issues. With COVID-19, they said there\u00a0hasn\u2019t been\u00a0much time to plan, prepare or develop a\u00a0strategy\u00a0to combat\u00a0these new challenges\u00a0impacting members.\u00a0Planning that used to take\u00a090 days now has to be tackled in 90 minutes. However, in their co-director roles, they have been able to talk about immediate priorities and how Associations North can be a resource to its members and provide community. Then,\u00a0they can divide,\u00a0conquer and execute\u00a0with their team\u00a0in new ways to provide member value as quickly as possible.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOur members are playing a vital role in helping their members fight on the front line of COVID-19 by supporting production of materials and essential goods, educating professionals on transitioning to remote environments, executing virtual conferences and advocating for critical funding,\u201d Kisskeys and Ruzek recently wrote in an email to <em>Association Adviser<\/em>, when we checked in with them about how Associations North was handling the coronavirus crisis.\u00a0\u201cBy\u00a0increasing\u00a0our member outreach to\u00a0uncover\u00a0immediate needs and resources,\u00a0we\u00a0created\u00a0bi-weekly\u00a0CEO\u00a0web chats\u00a0to help build community with key industry leaders,\u00a0developed\u00a0virtual web chats on timely topics\u00a0to\u00a0bring solutions to today&#8217;s issues, as well as prepare for tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Associations North also has an extensive COVID-19 resource webpage that is kept up to date with recorded educational sessions, advocacy efforts, industry impact surveys, resources for event and conference planning, working remote, mental health, insurance, legal and more. It&#8217;s a one-stop shop for our members COVID-19 needs.<\/p>\n<p>Working as\u00a0co-leaders\u00a0has provided Kisskeys and Ruzek with diversity of thought and more bandwidth\u00a0to better position Associations North during\u00a0this time.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe co-leader model provides the best support system you can ask for, especially during difficult times. With a built-in \u2018person,\u2019 it&#8217;s not just you and you are not alone. We can strategize on newly prioritized work needs, collaborate on opportunities to bring value to members, laugh together when times are tough and, most importantly, offer additional support and understanding while balancing e-learning for young children at home.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Kisskeys and Ruzek agreed that mindset and embracing resiliency have helped them get through the last month as social distancing and shelter-in-place orders have affected how associations serve their members and gather to learn and grow.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou have to shift from what normal used to be to how you can serve your members in this new today. What do members need right now to operate and be successful? What do members need tomorrow that will help them feel prepared for the next challenge? How can we, as their professional society, filter and find the most pertinent information to answer their most pressing questions? We know the current situation has impacted our members deeply, and we are committed to listening, supporting and providing resources to help members come out stronger.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>At this time, Associations North is focused on creating connections and community; often the best and most timely answers to difficult questions around the challenges faced today are from fellow\u00a0peers\u00a0and members.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe are\u00a0learning new ways to engage members, create community and provide immediate connections,\u201d they wrote. \u201cAs leaders, there are a lot of unknowns, but the worst\u00a0of times bring out the best in people \u2013 and we know the association community is full of the best.\u201d<\/p>\n<p id=\"E138\"><span id=\"E139\">While Kisskeys and Ruzek spent the first couple of years in their position making internal changes and learning their complementary roles better, and today they are largely focused on the coronavirus crisis at hand, going forward they plan to aggressively implement Associations North\u2019s strategic plan of updating its membership structure, re-imagining member education, and enhancing <\/span><span id=\"E140\">signature diversity and inclusion efforts. <\/span><span id=\"E141\">Both plan to continue <\/span><span id=\"E142\">educating<\/span><span id=\"E143\"> themselves further about incorporating wellness measures into the co-director role. They agree that one of th<\/span><span id=\"E144\">e most rewarding aspects of t<\/span><span id=\"E145\">heir shared role has been inspiring members and others outside of <\/span>Associations North through an alternative leadership model.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"contentsContainer\">\n<div id=\"contents\">\n<p id=\"E146\"><span id=\"E149\">\u201cWe love that we\u2019re opening up new definitions of leadership, and what an effective leader looks like, in the minds of members,\u201d Kisskeys said. \u201cWe commend the Associations North Board of Directors and members for charting new territory with us through this new model.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-9922 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naylor.com\/associationadviser\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/03\/Angela-Kisskeys-Headshot-150x150.jpeg\" alt=\"Angela Kisskeys\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Currently serving as Co-Director, VP of Operations &amp; Communications at Associations North, <em><strong>Angela Kisskeys<\/strong><\/em> provides strategic leadership and executive management in the development of products and services to expand membership value for key stakeholders, members and most importantly members of the future. Angela is motivated and inspired by new ideas and future possibilities that drive organizational growth. As a strategic leader, Angela maximizes strong industry relationships, leverages technology and embraces innovation to advance the association industry.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-9923 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naylor.com\/associationadviser\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/03\/SarahRuzek_Headshot-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Sarah Ruzek\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><em><strong>Sarah Ruzek<\/strong><\/em> is an energetic and dynamic association leader with 15+ years\u2019 experience building relationships, developing strategic partnerships, leading volunteers and strengthening nonprofit organizations. As Co-Director, VP of Finance &amp; Education at Associations North, Sarah has a proven track record innovating meetings, creating experiences and advancing the association industry.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>For 3 years, Angela Kisskeys and Sarah Ruzek have been exploring and pushing the boundaries of co-leadership as the co-directors of Associations North. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":25,"featured_media":9983,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1631,31,48,87],"tags":[1127,1627],"class_list":["post-9921","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-covid-19-resources","category-features","category-leaders-table","category-association-leadership","tag-associations-north","tag-co-leadership"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Co-Leading and Succeeding: Angela Kisskeys and Sarah Ruzek, Associations North - 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