Member Spotlight

Tom Popcheff, CAE

Love
Honor
Courage

Simply stated these words represent the foundation for Sigma Theta Tau International the only international honor society for nursing worldwide. The society was founded by 6 nurses in 1922 at the Indiana University Training School for Nurses now the Indiana University School of Nursing. Always being located in Indianapolis, the Society moved into their current location on the IUPUI campus in 1990. The Society is guided by the mission to support the learning, knowledge, and professional development of nurses committed to making a difference in health worldwide. Since founding, the Society has inducted ½ million members that include mostly individuals that work in a clinical setting such as professors and researchers.  With 469 chapters in 86 countries that represent 125,000 active members it takes a dedicated staff of 80 people to meet and exceed member expectations.

Tom Popcheff has been a member of the STTI staff for 12 years. Hired into a similar capacity that he holds to this day Tom has watched the organization grow and change over the years. STTI has four different divisions each with their own Board of Directors. These include Sigma Theta Tau International, Sigma Theta Tau International Foundation, Building Corp, and Nursing Knowledge International. Tom is currently the Director of Administration for Sigma Theta Tau International and the Chief Administrative Officer for the Building Corp. In his current position he is responsible for the facility, asset management, as well as a member of the executive management team. From first meeting with Tom you can see the enthusiasm and passion for what he does and where he does it, which I have to admit is a little infectious! I assumed that with such a passion for his organization and working for an association that he had always been in association work. I was surprised to find out that not only was this not his first career, but  like many others he sort of fell into association management.

Tom graduated with bachelors in political science and a minor in business administration. Soon after college he began his 15 year career in state government and at one time held the title of Deputy Commissioner. Tom says he probably would have continued his career in government if it hadn’t been a change in leadership that compelled him to leave. He eventually found himself at Johnson Controls. He was located in the Indiana Government Center where he was responsible for anything and everything that had to do with the building. Tom spent 8 years with Johnson Controls. Upon loss of a contract bid he found himself and his team looking for new positions. During this time Tom may have played the most important round of golf in his life. On the course one afternoon at Saddle Brook while on the 7th tee his partner took a phone call. As fate may have it the call was from the HR manager at STTI who was looking for an experienced facilities manager. Tom interviewed for the position and two weeks later started at STTI! The old rumor that more business takes place on the golf course than in the boardroom might just be true! Even though it may have been only by chance that Tom ended up in association management that certainly isn’t what is keeping him.

During my time with Tom it was obvious that people are what drive his passion for STTI. He stated that the best thing about working for STTI are the members and staff. He is encouraged and amazed by the level of compassion that is shown daily by his members to other members and the STTI staff.  He is also very proud to be a part of a team that is committed to people and service. This service can be seen in the $100,000 annually which the Society gives in grants for research and through the rich leadership academies they provide their members. The hard work of the staff certainly doesn’t go without recognition! STTI has been the recipient of numerous awards in recent history including: Award of Excellence, granted by Associations Advance America, Award of Merit, granted by International Association of Business Communications, and Silver Anvil, granted by Public Relations Society of America.

I closed the interview with Tom by asking him a few questions about his challenges and success:

Q: Are there any new initiatives on the horizon for STTI?
A: Yes! STTI has just finished their new strategic plan called Vision 2020. The plan is to create 6 new global regions and that 20% of the membership to reside and work outside of N. America. This will assist the organization in expanding into countries that already have a strong nursing presence, but not an association to support their growth.

Q: What is the biggest challenge that STTI is currently facing?
A: Simple retention. We induct around 25,000 members each year and a number of them fall off the grid after the first year.

Q: What is an interesting fact about STTI?
A: Ruth Lily has personally contributed a large amount of support to grow the resource library.

Q: What is the most important thing you have learned by working for an association?
A: The importance of the association industry to the US economy.

Q: What is your current professional goal?
A: To design a master plan for the society’s international headquarters to grow well into the future……then retire!

Q: What do you look for in professional development?
A: For programs that will enhance the skills that I have gained over the years and stay up to date on current best practices.

Q: Do you have a special interest?
A: Family first and foremost assisting young professionals grow, racing..I haven’t missed a race since 1963 at the Speedway.

Q: What is the best book you have read lately? Why?
A: Miracle on the 17th Green by James Patterson. It is just a great book about life and love for a specific activity.