By Denman Wall
Claire Rosenzweig
President & CEOBetter Business Bureau of Metropolitan NYNYSAE’s membership consists of many dynamic leaders. They are leaders who shape the national and local association and nonprofit scene. What’s more, NYSAE is fortunate to have had these individuals give back to the organization through their numerous contributions, either in time, educational programming, membership, and mentoring.
When you first meet Claire Rosenzweig, CAE, President & CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Metropolitan New York, Hudson Valley and Long Island, you know you have met one of the more active leaders this organization has seen.
Without further ado, meet Claire:
Denman Wall: Claire, thanks so much for participating in our eInterview series. Would you provide an overview to our readers about what the Better Business Bureau does for the New York Metropolitan Community?
Claire Rosenzweig: Sure, BBB helps our fellow Metro New Yorkers find businesses and charities they can trust. We have close to 7,000 BBB Accredited Businesses here that have committed themselves to meeting and complying with the BBB Standards for Trust. This BBB was formed in 1922 and covers the metro New York area which includes New York City, some counties south of Albany and all the way to the tip of Long Island. BBB is a standards based organization; we developed the BBB Standards for Trust for businesses and 20 Standards for Charity Accountability for charities. Information about businesses and charities can be found at BBB.org. We have info on the complaints and reviews filed by consumers, scam reports at Scam TrackerSM marketplace tips and much more. The BBB system covers all of North America and each of the 100 BBBs is an independent 501(c)(6). Some of them have affiliated 501(c)(3) foundations as we do in Metro New York.
Denman: Thanks for that overview. And, I know you're a big fan of our city and region! From your perspective, what is the best thing about living in, working in and serving the New York Community?
Claire: I love New York. Everything happens here and is a step outside of your door. From a work perspective, the best thing is helping to advance trust among those in our community. We have a wonderful team of BBB professionals that I get to work with every day. Together, we provide Metro New Yorkers with programs, services, and information that guides them through their marketplace experience.
Denman: I agree, it's an awesome place to be! Now, you've had a long history of leadership in NYSAE, from serving on the board to being the chair of the board to participating in various events as both a presenter and attendee, etc. How has your involvement with the society influenced your leadership and governance style?
Claire: I’ve been a member of NYSAE since the early days of my career; it has played an important role in my development as an association leader. The people I’ve met have been wonderful, the education programs provided were always helpful. The doors that opened through my involvement in NYSAE helped me to envision the future that has become reality. NYSAE participation helped me to better understand how important it is to value and respect the people you meet during your career journey. It helped me to keep an open mind and to develop an understanding that we can learn something new every day.
Denman: That's cool. How did you first become aware of NYSAE and what persuaded you to become an active member of the organization?
Claire: Becoming a member of NYSAE was THE thing you HAD to do if you aspired to be an association professional. Whether your sights were set on a meeting planner position or that of the Executive Director or CEO, everyone knew that NYSAE was a must. They were right. The interaction with other business leaders creates an environment in which you can learn about the critical issues of concern to our industry. That was, and still is, true.
Denman: Would you care to share who you count as your professional mentors, either from NYSAE or elsewhere?
Claire: There are a number of people who I consider professional role models and mentors. They inspired me to dream big, reach high and finish strong. They are examples of integrity and ethical behavior in action; behaviors that I have tried to emulate during my own career. Of course, Joel and Kathy Dolci were always there to help and provide guidance throughout my career for which I extend my gratitude and appreciation.
Denman: We've made some great friends and learned a lot from our colleagues, that's for sure! With the summer board and committee retreat just around the corner, where would you like to see the organization's programs, advocacy, etc. head during the next year or two?
Claire: NYSAE is an organization that will continue to evolve in order to fulfill the ever-changing needs of association executives who may be at any stage of their career. The requirements and ways in which not-for-profit leaders manage organizations have and will continue to change. NYSAE’s voice has played an important role in our society; it needs to be powerful in order to deliver what is wanted and needed by those who commit themselves to association leadership.
Thanks so much, Claire!
The views expressed are provided in Claire Rosenzweig's personal capacity and do not necessarily represent those of BBB. Denman Wall is the Sr. Director of Interactive Services, Dolci Interactive and Editor of InView Newsletter.