Why I Volunteer

 

By Casey Jones, CAPP, PMP

My first IPMI conference was in 1999, and shortly thereafter I began volunteering for the organization.  In 2007, I was elected to the Board of Directors and have volunteered on more committees, task forces, and efforts than I can remember.  From Parking Matters and Awards of Excellence, to Sustainability, state and regional associations, education and training, and the Accredited Parking Organization Board, I’ve had the chance to be a part of so many of IPMI’s efforts and they have all been immensely fulfilling. I realized early on that I wasn’t the smartest guy with all the knowledge, and that for me and my organizations to succeed I needed a way to learn, grow and understand.

Volunteering for IPMI was the ideal mechanism where I was able to build a network, gain perspective, and foster alliances and lifelong friendships to weather every storm.  Serving IPMI has turned out to be the single best thing I did for my career and for myself as a person.  The people I’ve met on this journey are my closest, dearest friends who have countless times have been there for me through the good and challenging times alike.

So why do I continue to volunteer for IPMI?  First, it feels good to give back.  IPMI has given me so much and I love contributing every way I am able.  Each volunteer opportunity is one where I learn, I am challenged, and I take pride in playing a small part in making our industry better.  Second, and most importantly, I volunteer because I care deeply about so many in our industry, I get so much from rolling up my sleeves with the industry’s best, brightest and most generous.

Casey Jones, CAPP, PMP is senior director for customer success at FLASH, and a member of IPMI’s Board of Directors. He can be reached at casey.jones@flashparking.com.