Q&A with the Executive Director at Drywall & Interior Systems Contractors Association of NJ (DISCA)
Can you describe your role as an integrated (hybrid) Executive Director and how it works in partnership with AH?
I was on the DISCA Board for 27 years before taking on the role of Executive Director. From its inception in 1972, DISCA operated independently, with our labor attorney serving as Executive Director while also providing the necessary office staff. After his retirement in 2008, the Board decided to engage an association management firm that could also provide an Executive Director.
The problem we encountered was that the new Executive Director was not familiar with the gypsum industry (wallboard, metal framing, acoustical ceilings, and insulation), the commercial construction market, or working with labor unions. Another issue was that he managed several other organizations, which limited the time he spent on DISCA matters and, quite often, made him unavailable when we needed him. Even after nine years, he had not developed a positive relationship with the Board.
Following my retirement in 2017, I was asked to take over as DISCA’s Executive Director while remaining with the same AMC. This hybrid model provided DISCA with an Executive Director who had an established relationship with the Board, deep knowledge of the gypsum industry, and a willingness to make DISCA a full-time priority.
Once in my new role, I was able to address the issues the Board had experienced with the previous Executive Director, as well as the limitations we encountered with the AMC. That ultimately led us to become a client of AH. In partnership with AH, I provide leadership, strategic planning, and organizational development for the association, while AH delivers the administrative and operational support.
Value of the Integrated AMC Model for the Association
What are the biggest advantages of an integrated AMC model for DISCA?
In our case, having an Executive Director who was a former Board member with more than 40 years of experience in the gypsum industry helped make both the leadership change and the transition to AH very easy. Combined with the scalability an AMC provides to a small association like DISCA, this is why the integrated model works so well for us. Essentially, DISCA has no fixed assets. AH provides the office space, equipment, and staff. If someone resigns or goes out on leave, AH supplies a replacement, which ensures continuity and stability.
How has this hybrid model helped the Board focus on governance and strategic priorities?
We have very little turnover among our Board members, so I cannot say they have suddenly shifted to focusing more on governance or strategic priorities. The difference is that they now have an Executive Director who understands both them and the organization, so things get done without much discussion.
How has AH’s support expanded what is possible for the organization?
The primary reason contractor companies join DISCA is our Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Carpenter and Taper unions. About half of our member companies do not participate in our educational or social events. That said, I have shared information from AH regarding member engagement with our Board, and it has become more of a focus for the organization.
Value of the Integrated Model for the Executive Director Role
What aspects of your role became more strategic after integrating with AH?
DISCA is a relatively small association. AH provided best-practice information that allowed me to create, revise, and update several policies, prepare committee roles and responsibilities, improve our website, and strengthen member communications. In addition, I was able to address several long-term initiatives, such as revising the mission statement and value proposition and creating an Executive Director emergency transition plan.
How has AH’s support affected your day-to-day workload and long-term planning?
I am a very hands-on person, a micromanager, really. The support from AH allows me time to dig into the weeds while also thinking more proactively about the association’s future.
What has this hybrid AMC model meant for your professional growth and leadership development?
I have been able to maintain many long-time industry relationships and stay current with industry trends. I also now have more time to get involved with national organizations, which benefits DISCA as well. Serving as Executive Director has rounded out my industry experience, having gone from manufacturer to distributor and supplier, and now working closely with contractors and labor unions.
How does this integrated approach reduce stress or burnout risks common in Executive Director roles?
One of the major benefits of using an AMC is not having to deal with staffing issues. Since partnering with AH, we have experienced several staffing changes, but they were addressed promptly. While this required me to educate new staff members about DISCA operations, the transitions were seamless from the Board’s perspective.
Collaboration & Partnership with AH
What does successful collaboration with AH’s team look like in practice?
Operating in sync with our assigned AH team members, whom I refer to as our “Association Manager”, is what keeps DISCA running smoothly. Once they understand how I think and how the association functions, the amount of oversight required is greatly reduced. That is what I consider successful collaboration. It typically takes several months to adjust to changes in the accounting department and about a full year with a new Association Manager. By the second year, everyone is familiar with our events and processes, allowing them to be more creative.
How do you view AH as an extension of your internal association staff?
I am the only DISCA employee. However, our Board and members consider the AH Association Manager, Assistant Association Manager, and Accountant to be part of our internal staff. If DISCA operated independently, we would most likely outsource many of the same services AH provides, such as IT and marketing.
Can you share standout moments working with the AH team that helped DISCA succeed?
During our first year with AH, Beth Mauro shared best practices and policies that other AH clients had implemented. I brought that information to our Board, and they adopted most of those practices. Additionally, Sarah Armanious was extremely helpful in negotiating hotel contracts, including terms and conditions that protected DISCA.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the Hybrid AMC Model
What would you tell associations considering an integrated or hybrid AMC model?
I would recommend the hybrid model to any association that already has an experienced Executive Director or has a strong candidate ready to step into the role.
How can this integrated AMC model help associations scale or adapt in 2026 and beyond?
Using an AMC is ideal for smaller associations with limited staff that must handle multiple administrative responsibilities in addition to event planning. Cross-training staff takes time, and every resignation or leave requires either filling the gap yourself or hiring and training a replacement. By engaging an AMC, small associations can eliminate much of the burden of recruiting, training, and backfilling staff, allowing leadership to focus on strategy and member value.
What DISCA’s Experience Reveals About Integrated Association Management
DISCA’s experience illustrates how an integrated (hybrid) association management model can provide the best of both worlds: strong, industry-informed leadership paired with the operational strength and scalability of an association management company (AMC). By employing an Executive Director internally while partnering with AH for administrative and operational support, the association has achieved continuity, stability, and the flexibility to adapt as needs evolve. This approach has allowed DISCA to remain focused on its mission, support its members effectively, and position itself for long-term success, demonstrating how the right partnership can elevate both leadership and organizational performance.
To find out if the integrated association management model would work for your organization, get in touch with us at inquire@ahint.com.
