Issue link: http://psai.uberflip.com/i/1370962
ASSOCIATIONINSIGHT Portable Sanitation Association International News BIWEEKLY EDITION MAY 12, 2021 Page 8 Women Leaders of the PSAI…continued from page 7 Karen had a family connection with the former Executive Director and could have easily, and justifiably, declined. Putting the needs of the PSAI above all else, my friend and mentor agreed to accept this daunting challenge. Karen and the entire Board did an exceptional and incredibly difficult job in putting the "New PSAI" back on its feet. Even though all Executive Board Members had their terms extended one year, and despite my promise to Karen of "only a year of her time being needed,"she continued to serve and did an amazing job as Treasurer. In 2014 after the conclusion of her "emergency service," Karen was prepared to return to her role as Past President. With the hiring of Karleen Kos as the new Executive Director, Karen chose to remain on the Executive Committee (as the Executive Board was renamed) and to further continue to help the PSAI in the Vice-President position. Becoming President for the second time in 2016, Karen continued her success and her support of the PSAI. Her previous experience as President and her many years of Board leadership helped the PSAI to further stabilize and begin to grow both membership and respect in the industry once again. My role model became the role model for many because of her hard work and dedication to leading the PSAI. Final Thoughts Each of these profiles, dating from the 1980s through today, shares several common characteristics that should serve as examples to us all. Every one of these women demonstrated dedication, determination, hard work and success in their business while serving the PSAI and other causes with enthusiasm and unwavering commitment. How things have changed! Today, Jennifer Corrigan serves as the PSAI's President and, since 2014, Karleen Kos has served as Executive Director. We think of both of these wonderful people, as well as the many others in our industry, as leaders and friends first and foremost, and the description as "women" as secondary. But as we celebrate Mother's Day this week, it seemed only fitting to celebrate the many women who have played such vital roles in making our industry what it is today. Happy Mother's Day everyone! v Special Request If you have any biographical information about any of the amazing individuals mentioned in this article, please share it with Jeff Wigley so he can add it to this article before its final inclusion in the 50th Anniversary Booklet at year-end. IN JUNE we hope to celebrate fathers and sons who shaped our industry. Send all your suggestions and stories to Jeff by May 31. Finally, please share any and all stories, pictures, or remembrances of your fellow members. Email your thoughts and memories to Jeff. He will include them in future articles and use information to update "PSAI Through the Decades." Pictures are especially appreciated and sending those to the PSAI Office will ensure that they are stored and shared with future members.