By Denman Wall
Besides boasting a world-class group of leaders who work in the association space, our members are also genuinely interested in supporting the profession…and friendly to boot! Spend just one minute with Amish Mehta, NYSAE Board Member and Partner and Not-for-Profit Practice Leader at Friedman LLP, and you know you have met a fellow association colleague that has your best interests at heart.
This month, take a minute or two to learn more about Amish and his story through our continued e-Interview series.
Amish Mehta, CPA, NYSAE Board Member and Partner & Not-for-Profit Practice Leader at Friedman LLP
Denman Wall: Hi Amish, so glad that you’re an active part of the NYSAE family. Tell our readers how you first learned about NYSAE and what prompted you to become a member?
Amish Mehta: I had initially contacted Joel Dolci after collaborating with my firm’s marketing group to identify nonprofit organizations that are making impactful community change. Subsequently, I was asked to become an NYSAE member and later invited to present during an NYSAE’s Finance and Management Institute event.
Denman: Thanks for that. I remember that presentation. Now then, your LinkedIn profile indicates that you are a Partner and Not-for-Profit Practice Leader at Friedman LLP. What is the coolest part about working with Not-for-Profits?
Amish: Despite having 25 years of experience working with not-for-profit organizations, I still get excited every time I learn about each client’s unique cause. It feels good to think I play a small part in supporting our clients’ wide-reaching, forward-thinking and impactful missions.
Denman: What is your fondest memory of being a member of NYSAE? Are there one or two examples that you can share with our readers?
Amish: Over time, my relationship with NYSAE has strengthened. As a member of the board, I have enjoyed participating in our retreats as well as NYSAE’s signature event, Meet NY. I believe our current leadership’s work has positioned NYSAE on a trajectory for even greater success. I’m excited to see the new heights this organization travels towards.
Denman: As you know, NYSAE is closing in on the century mark. What three things can the organization do to ensure that we are around for another 100 years?
Amish: a.) Our members are our lifeline and we need to continue to grow our membership base, b) We must continue to demonstrate value to our members by offering high quality events, and c) Continue to lobby for a voice in the association world.
Denman: NYSAE depends greatly on associate members and the supplier community, for membership, support, and sponsorships. What is your advice for those who are in the associate category as they consider joining or participating in NYSAE’s events?
Amish: As an associate member, I can say firsthand that over time my involvement with NYSAE is beginning to pay dividends. It’s disheartening to see the occasional associate member who drops out after a 1 or 2 year term and doesn’t realize that it takes commitment and long-term involvement to reap the full benefits of NYSAE. We have associate members who have been involved with NYSAE for 10, 15, 20+ years for good reason.
Denman: Conversely, what is your advice to NYSAE as an associate member for how the organization can stay relevant to suppliers and service providers?
Amish: NYSAE is a great forum for uniting associate members with nonprofit leaders. We work hard to foster this powerful collaboration so the association community can enjoy an innovative and healthy discourse.
Thanks so much, Amish, for giving us a glimpse of your background and experiences with NYSAE and the association community.
Denman Wall is the Director of Interactive Services for Dolci Management and Editor of InView Newsletter.