5 Questions with Joe Lindahl

1. What do you do with MCI??

I’m the CEO of the Multiple System Atrophy Coalition . I work with the board of directors and partner on strategy and future for the organization. We’re excited about the future, including our new rebrand, which we’re looking forward to officially revealing soon! It’s a culmination of the Coalition’s growth and coincides with launching the new MSA Connect portal and our new website. ?

I am really behind the mission of this organization. It’s helping people who have been dealt one of the worst hands you can in life, being diagnosed with a horrible, unknown disease, and giving the community support in whatever way we can. I’m proud that we’ve been able to grow a lot in the past few years, including adding three new full-time positions.???

2. How did you get into associations? ?

I was initially hired by another AMC through a staffing firm to do their marketing, and like so many others, 13 years later, I’m still here. I’ve moved around through a bunch of different positions from operations to strategic projects to chapter work and finally executive management for the past seven years.?

I’ve gotten the privilege to work the gamut from AMCs to standalone organizations to trade associations, and it’s been great to gain so many different experiences. I love the creative problem-solving aspect of the industry and the uniqueness each association has, from culture and industry to governance and mission. It’s a wonderful way to share personal strengths and put your fingerprints on society.?

3. In 2022, you were named an ASAE DELP Scholar, what has that experience been like???

The Diversity Executive Leadership Program (DELP) program has been wonderful. It’s geared toward cultivating and convening diverse cohorts to form a community with one another. It’s been an incredible community-building experience, not only with my current class, but the 220+ members of past classes that are there to give support and mentorship. We have open and candid conversations on everything from software recommendations to the next step in your career, to approaching uncomfortable conversations. The ability to come together with individuals who have the same passion for association management and understand the importance of moving the needles towards DEI principles is a unique and valuable opportunity, both personally and professionally.??

4. What is your advice to anyone else trying to apply for the DELP program??

To apply you need two letters of recommendation and explain why you’re interested in the program. Being able to explain why this program would be valuable for you and being able to articulate your vision is taken highly into consideration. It’s extremely competitive, so my advice would be to not get discouraged if you don’t get in the first time you apply. I know several people who applied several times before they got in. It’s a valuable experience for people at any stage of their career if they’re invested in ASAE and in the industry.???

5. What does your life outside of work look like??

I’m chasing around children constantly! I have two sons – Miles is four and Sawyer just turned one, so they keep me and my wife busy. Our schedules revolve around naptimes. When we’re awake, we’re big parkgoers and regulars at our local farmer’s market. We’re a Chicago sports family, so we’re looking forward to another year of disappointing Bulls, Bears, and White Sox seasons.?