Responsibilities in current Board role: Reviews & establishes organizational goals, objectives, and focus with Executive Board; oversees committees and activities; maintains regular contact, establishes agendas and meets with Executive Board and general membership; determines issues that need a general membership vote; authors President’s message for organization newsletter; appoints chairpersons of standing and ad hoc committees.
Favorite Part of Being Involved in PennACE: My favorite part of being involved with PennACE are the opportunities to grow professionally. From presenting at the annual conference, to being on a committee, to networking with friends and colleagues, PennACE has consistently provided me with experiences that have helped me be a better and more thoughtful career professional.
Assistant Director, Academic & Career Planning, Kutztown University
PennACE Member Since: 2010
Responsibilities in current Board role: Chair the 2018 Annual PennACE Conference Planning Committee. Assist the President as needed in scheduling meetings and organizing arrangements. Support and assist with activities and projects of Presidents, Executive Board and committees. Serves in the absence of President
Additional PennACE Involvement: JoAnne Day Student of The Year Committee: 2018-2018 Conference Planning Committee: 2017-2018 Secretary: 2016-2018
Favorite Part of Being Involved in PennACE: The opportunity to network with other colleagues and share ideas for the good of all students.
Responsibilities in current Board role: Manage and oversee the organization’s financial accounts. Assist with budget planning and strategy. Collect dues and ensure payment of expenses. Managing the finances and administering fiscal matters of the organization, provide annual budget to the board for members’ approval, and ensure development and board review of financial policies and procedures.
Additional PennACE Involvement: Treasurer: 2013-2019 PennACE Annual Conference: 2013-2015, 2017 Student Of The Year Committee Grants Committee Professional Development Committee
Favorite Part of Being Involved in PennACE: Being a part of PennACE has been such a rewarding experience for me. Not only have I had the opportunity to meet new professionals in the field, but I have been able to strengthen and maintain current relationships with colleagues. There is a tremendous amount of commitment to the industry and organization, as well as camaraderie and willingness to learn and share expertise, within PennACE. It is great to be a part of such a fun organization. Thank you for this opportunity!
Responsibilities in current Board role: Record all meeting minutes (Executive Board meeting, Annual Business Meeting) and distribute to Executive Board / Membership
Additional PennACE Involvement: President: 2012-2013 | Past President: 2013-2015 Conference Chair: 2011-2012 Donna Dentler Service Award Recipient: 2016 Keystone Award Recipient: 2012 Government Relations Committee: 2 years SOTY Committee: 2 years
Favorite Part of Being Involved in PennACE: Engaging and networking with colleagues, employers, and friends from various institutions and exchanging ideas, shared research findings, and best practices. This fantastic group of professionals in our PennACE organization is a blessing to me in the work we do to make a positive difference in the lives of our students as well as alumni and employers!
Responsibilities in current Board role: Maintain the membership database, send reminders to those whose memberships are due to expire each quarter, answer questions regarding membership and promote membership to colleagues and employers who are not current members. Extend outreach to prospective members and organizations
Additional PennACE Involvement: Conference Committee & Exhibitors Committee & Presenter: 2015 Program and Speakers Committee and Presenter: 2017 Keystone Award Recipient: 2019
Favorite Part of Being Involved in PennACE: PennACE has been a fantastic organization to be a part of! It was the very first professional organization I joined as a higher education professional and I have not looked back since. Right from the start, I immediately felt welcomed and enjoyed the chance to be a part of something outside of my office/institution. I continue to value the strong connections I am able to make, the ideas that are shared when we all get together, and the chance to collaborate and interact with other professionals across the state!
Assistant Director / Employer Relations, California University of PA
PennACE Member Since: 2008
Responsibilities in current Board role: Manage the PennACE Website; E-list Administration; Conference Registration. Work closely with all Executive Board Members to ensure accurate information.
Additional PennACE Involvement: Communication Chair: 2013-2021 Employer Relations Committee: 2014-2015, 2017-2018 Professional Development Chair: 2011-2013 Professional Development Committee: 2017-2018 Conference Site & Hospitality Committee: 2009, 2012 Conference Committee: 2011, 2013-2018 Donna Dentler Service Award Recipient: 2019
Favorite Part of Being Involved in PennACE: I love that we can share ideas, ask for advice, join committees while creating professional relationships and connecting with peers. I truly enjoy all aspects of PennACE!
Coordinator of Academic & Career Advising, La Roche University
PennACE Member Since: 2017
Responsibilities in current Board role: Coordinate all social media and public relations efforts for the organization. Explore and present to the board a marketing and public relations strategy, including social media, with regular review of and updates to the strategy. Work collaboratively with the Communication Chair and other executive board members to carry out the adopted social media and public relations strategy effectively. Design and delivery of Messenger newsletter.
Additional Involvement in PennACE: Program Speakers Committee: 2018 Favorite Part of Being Involved in PennACE: My favorite part of being a member of PennACE is the supportive, optimistic and close-knit community. Each member is eager to offer advice and guidance. I have learned so much from professionals across the state, and becoming more involved has helped me build confidence as a newer professional.
Heather Balas Member-at-Large/Professional Development
Director, Mercyhurst University
PennACE Member Since: 2010
Responsibilities in current Board role: Coordinate opportunities for relevant and affordable professional development programs for the membership of PennACE. This could include programs featuring guest speakers, round-table discussions, webinars, etc. on career and job-search topics of interest to career professionals and employers.
Additional PennACE Involvement: President: 2015-2016 | Past President: 2016-2017 Conference Programming Committee: 2011 Co-Chair, Conference Programming Committee: 2012 Chair, Conference Programming Committee: 2013 Secretary: 2011-2013 Donna Dentler Award Receipient: 2018
Favorite Part of Being Involved in PennACE: The positive connections I have made with my colleagues across the state.
Responsibilities in current Board role: Determine timeline and adjust grant guidelines as needed, Convene a committee of volunteers to review grant proposals, Collect and review proposals with committee, Select grant recipients and level of funding, Notify grant recipients and work with Treasurer to distribute financial award, Interact with Communication Chair to publicize and congratulate grant recipients through the website and newsletter.
Additional PennACE Involvement: President: 2016-2016 | Past President: 2016-2017 Conference Chair: 2015-2016 Professional Development Chair: 2013-2015 Conference Program Committee Grants Committee
Favorite Part of Being Involved in PennACE: Through PennACE I have the opportunity to build a network of connections across the state that are important to my own success as a career services professional. I know I can count on my colleagues for ideas, support, and inspiration when needed!
Associate Director/Employer Relations, School of Education Liaison, Clarion University
PennACE Member Since: 2006
Responsibilities in current Board role: Promote the annual PennACE Student of the Year Awards to membership and serve as a point of contact for both nominators and student-candidates. Meet with a group of committee volunteers to evaluate and select winners for each of the four nomination categories. Once winners are selected, their information will be forwarded to membership and all nominees. All of our winners are invited to speak at the 2017 PennACE Conference.
Additional PennACE Involvement: Chairperson, Conference Keynote Speaker & Programs: 2009-2012 Member, Professional Development Committee: 2007-2009 PennACE Grant Recipient PennACE Conference Presenter
Favorite Part of Being Involved in PennACE: Networking with colleagues at the annual conference and professional development events has been truly rewarding. PennACE members were so kind and welcomed me into the organization when I transitioned into the field of career services in 2006. Newcomers beware - - members will get you involved and hooked on PennACE at your very first event!
Employer Engagement Manager, Penn State University
PennACE Member Since: 2012
Responsibilities in current Board role: Create innovative ways to inform and engage PennACE membership around the legislative issues that impact our industry.
Assistant Director of Career Development Internship Program & Outreach, Chatham University
PennACE Member Since: 2016
Responsibilities in current Board role: Coordinate recruitment and engagement opportunities with employers across the state for or membership. Provide hot topics and best practices to employers related to career services.
Additional PennACE Involvement: Conference Committee: 2017 Keystone Award Recipient: 2018
Favorite Part of Being Involved in PennACE: My favorite part of PennACE is collaborating with career professionals and employers across the state. This organization brings together tons of new and innovative ideas to enhance our students experiences and grow professionally.
Responsibilities in current Board role: Solicits nominations for officers and members-at-large. Revises and distributes organizational manual to new officers. Solicits nominations form the membership for the Donna Dentler Service Award and the Keystone Award. Researchers sites for future conferences. Serves as Parliamentarian. Acts as PennACE historian, maintaining and updating the archives.
Additional PennACE Involvement: President: 2017-2018 Conference Chair: 2016-2017 Conference Committee: 2015 Keystone Award Recipient: 2015 Professional Development Chair: 2015-2016 Conference Volunteer & Scholarship Recipient: 2014
Favorite Part of Being Involved in PennACE: I love the lasting friendships that blossom from professional contacts through common passion, the fun and informative annual conference, and affordable professional development opportunities. PennACE is so much more than a professional association; it's an extended family with extensive resources and connections. I am so thankful I joined as a graduate student and have had the opportunity to grow professionally and personally through my involvement.
