I have been a member of EONY for 15 years. Early in my EO career, I served for six years on the Board, including three years as Finance Chair. As a lifelong learner, I appreciate all of the learning opportunities EO provides, including the speakers, my Forum, and my fellow members.
Reflecting on my EO experiences, I find it interesting that many of our early speakers including: Peter Shankman, Simon Sinek, Gary Vaynerchuk and Geoff Smart, are now household names, but weren’t when we brought them to EONY. I remember also the already “famous” speakers: Michael Gerber, Mayor Bloomberg, Jack Daly and Jason Fried. While I loved the “cool” factor of the big names, I received just as much, if not more, takeaway value from the yet to be discovered.
This year, I returned to the Board once again as Finance Chair. However, I prefer to think of myself as the Chapter’s Strategic CFO. While, with the support of my company’s staff, I handle the day-to-day accounting, I also oversee the more complex issues of budget and cash management and risk management, and I participate with our Board to continue to provide an outstanding EO product to our fellow members. With David Schnurman’s enthusiastic leadership, and our stated goal of “Making Every Connection Count;” it has been an inspiring year. I enjoy renewed enthusiasm for, and energy in, my participation.
Prior to this year, with the exception of Forum, I found my participation in EO had waned and I considered non-renewal. However, after taking a long-term view, I realized that my ROI was high, and that it was my responsibility to “own my EO experience.” I have made a conscious effort to participate both at the Board and Chapter levels, and I have had a blast! Not only has the board experience been rewarding, I have also been delighted to reconnect with long-standing members, as well as to develop relationships with newer members. In the upcoming fiscal year, I will once again serve as the Chapter’s CFO and accounting arm. I look forward, along with the incoming Board, to continuing to improve EONY and bring great value to our valued members.
Please feel free to reach out to me at 516-680-3495 or tdrattell@ateamconsulting.com with any questions, comments or suggestions.
Tedd Drattell
EONY Finance Chair