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The Art Of AdministrationConnie Dooley helps make each Convention a masterpiece.PEI Director of Administration Connie Dooley has an eye for detail that serves her well in her daily duties, but that also brings her great joy when handcrafting a book or painstakingly lettering something with the most ancient of writing tools, a quill. In this modern era of computers and digital design, Connie finds great refuge in doing her hobbies the old-fashioned way. “It makes my work feel more valuable,” she says. “It’s nice to have a respite from the digital world.” A student of calligraphy for more than 20 years, Connie embarked on a year-long intensive calligraphy program in 2007. She truly went back to the basics, grinding her own pigment and inscribing the artistic letters on vellum, parchment made from sheepskin. “We’ve taken the art back to the purest form just to experience it,” she says. “It’s been very interesting and required a lot of focus.”
Long a fan of the written word, Connie started out as a junior-high school English teacher. A few months of spitballs told her that her future didn’t lie in education. After leaving her teaching position, Connie began working for the National Association of Legal Secretaries, overseeing meetings. Soon, however, she was approached by the association’s director with a new offer. The publications coordinator was leaving, and the association needed a replacement. “The director knew art was one of my hobbies,” Connie says. “She asked me to try out the position for a few weeks, and I dove in.” Knowing nothing about the world of publishing, Connie called professionals in the area and picked their brains about the must-know skills to succeed. Once she had a list, she went to a professor at the University of Tulsa and asked him to teach her that skill set. Through six weeks of independent study, Connie had garnered skills which would serve her well. When she came to PEI, Executive Vice President Bob Renkes was impressed with her breadth of knowledge and previous association experience. In her 13 years with PEI, Connie has worn many hats, some for longer periods than others, which suits her fine. “At home,” she says, “I love projects, and I tend to have multiple things going on at once.” The same could be said about a day at the PEI office, where she juggles a variety of responsibilities. “We have a small, seasoned staff who do a lot of things,” Connie says. She thrives on it, describing herself as “a better behind-the-scenes person than out-front.” One of Connie’s biggest responsibilities is overseeing the annual convention. She’s been part of 14 conventions, each one with its own set of challenges. “Every year, it’s a different program, and every convention center is different,” she says. The key to succeeding is remaining flexible. “I don’t go in thinking I have a solution. I take time to look at a problem from all angles.” The most satisfying part of each convention for Connie is the opportunity to greet old friends and meet new ones. One of the biggest changes to PEI’s convention came in 2002, when PEI joined forces with the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) to host a joint trade show. Prior to this, the shows would often run back-to-back, leaving exhibitors and attendees scrambling from one to the other—or having to skip one all together. Connie acknowledges that the arrangement has been filled with its own set of challenges, but that the two associations are finding their stride in working together. Connie has overcome her own set of personal challenges as well. Several years ago, she was on an early-morning run when a rabbit hopped into her path. Connie came to a stop and fell face first, causing severe injuries which required reconstructive surgery. Despite adversity and a busy schedule, she remains upbeat. “I’ve always felt like I’ve had a guardian angel looking out for me.” PEI members, too, are lucky to have Connie Dooley looking out for them. |
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