Kathy Nichelson has worked for Capital Area Realtors for the past 30 years, serving as the CEO for the last six years. She obtained her Realtor Certified Executive designation 10 years ago.
Nichelson and her spouse live in rural Girard, and she has two adult sons and three young grandchildren. In her free time, she enjoys quilting and likes to create both machine and hand-embroidered gifts for family and friends. She said she finds it rewarding to design each piece with their unique interests and personalities in mind. Where were you born and raised, and what was your first job?
I was born and raised in the city of Chicago. My first job was at an Army surplus store because they would hire 15-year-olds.
Why did you become involved in association management?
One of my early jobs when I moved here was working at a rate and tariff bureau where they compiled and filed LCC and Interstate Commerce Commission reports for trucking companies. The business model was very similar to an association. I was employed there for 11 years and loved the job.
When the trucking industry was deregulated, the trucking companies were no longer required to file their rates, so I really became obsolete. They were going to continue to let me stay there until they ran out of funds, but being the youngest I decided to leave because I probably had the most opportunity to find another job.
I was approached by somebody, and I worked at a private company for about a year. Although I liked working there, I knew that wasn't long-term for me. So when somebody else approached me about an opportunity to work for a Realtor association, I was thrilled and I applied. I was hired at Capital Area Realtors in 1995 and became the director of member services for 24 years.
How did you adapt to working in an organization that represents Realtors?
There are parallels when it comes to association management, regardless of the industry. There is so much more to learn about the particular industry that you're working with to be truly successful in that position. I took advantage of every training opportunity I could find that was offered by our state and national associations. They have all kinds of classes, including association management courses that were designed specifically for real estate associations.
About 10 years ago I earned the Realtor Certified Executive designation. There are probably 500 or fewer people in the United States that have earned that certification.
How did you become the CEO of Capital Area Realtors?
When our previous CEO (Dan Sale) left, I was the first one that they came to, and they offered me the job. It was on an interim basis because, although I was very involved being the CEO's assistant, I wanted to see what else I could contribute. But after about a month-and-a-half I thought, 'Yep, I can do this,' and that's when I fully accepted the position. I've now been the CEO for six years.
What strengths and skills must a person possess to be in association management?
Industries are constantly changing and evolving, and the associations themselves must learn to quickly adapt to those changes as well as ensuring that they continue to meet the needs of their members.
I don't see a high level of turnover in association management, and that might be a deterrent for somebody. But if an individual is highly motivated, not afraid to adapt to change and enjoys working with the members, association management is a great opportunity. Even if you start in an entry level position, there's generally plenty of room for growth. And as association managers retire, there's a great opportunity for advancement.
When people are going through college, association management is not always at the top of their list. But it's very rewarding and it's constantly changing – that makes it exciting, in my opinion.
What do you wish more people knew about your organization?
I don't know that people realize the amount of money that we contribute as an organization. Last year alone we contributed $27,000 to charity, and each year we have a community service committee that helps to reinvest in the community. We look for nonprofit organizations that don't have a lot of government funding and that serve the greater Springfield area. They apply, and then our committee makes funding recommendations to the board. It's been very successful.
We are also advocates for homeownership and private property rights that affect everyone, not just our specialized group.
What advice would you give to young people who are deciding on their career paths?
Look into association management and see what opportunities there are. It's a rewarding position, and you can pretty much go anywhere. You can grow and get into a bigger association in a bigger city, or you can stay right here. There are so many associations locally, so many options out there.
I wish more people coming out of college would consider association management. Even if you don't start out as a manager, it's a great opportunity for growth. There is always room for growth in associations.
What might people be surprised to learn about you?
I would say I'm a workaholic, but I don't think that would surprise anyone. I guess people would be surprised to learn just how much I love my job.
