In the Spotlight - Donn Eurich
Tell us about your background. Where you were born, raised, etc.?
I was born and raised in Muskegon, MI very near Lake Michigan so I grew up with sand in my shoes and loving the water. I spent summers laying on the beach and swimming, and the winters tobogganing on the snow-covered sand dunes. Oh, I went to school too, in my spare time! We moved to Milwaukee when I was very young, and then back to Muskegon ten years later, so I have an affinity for Wisconsin too. Both my brothers and I are graduates of Michigan State University. I majored in Financial Management with minors in Accounting and Economics. I assumed I would end up on Wall Street as an investment advisor.
How did you get started in association management?
Upon graduation from MSU, I had several job offers but the most interesting was with the Michigan Retail Hardware Association (MRHA), as a field representative and manager of their new accounting and financial management service. In this position, I provided accounting services for 35 hardware stores, consulted and helped with loan package preparation and similar projects. Funny though, when I told friends and relatives where I worked, they all commented, “it’s too bad you couldn’t find a job in your field”. They all thought I sold hammers and saws!! Even today, as many of my contemporaries will admit, it is sometimes hard to explain what trade associations are and what we do on their behalf to earn our living.
I joined the Michigan Bankers Association after 8 years with MRHA and worked exclusively in government relations and political action committee fundraising. Then, in 1992 I took over management of the Michigan Association of Credit Unions. During that tenure, I began providing strategic planning facilitation services to nonprofits, and formed a multiclient lobbying company with a partner. This company evolved into Eurich Management Services, an association management and government relations firm which is now in its 9th year. We manage 12 associations and have a staff of 13.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I greatly enjoy two parts of my job above all else, those being meeting new people and helping solve problems. It is very satisfying to see an organization turn the corner and find success, and see their board members really enjoy serving and achieving goals.
It takes a special kind of person to dedicate the time and effort our volunteers donate, taking away time from their jobs and families to help build an organization which they believe has value and merit. These people are the forward-thinkers, the kind of leaders and rock solid people I enjoy. When we achieve success with these volunteers, they are especially appreciative, because they are fully engaged in the process and understand what it takes to be successful.
What have you learned about the golf course superintendent profession that you didn’t realize prior to coming onboard with the Michigan GCSA?
Even though I have played golf most of my adult life, I was not aware of the impact the course superintendent has on the game. The behind-the-scenes-heroics these professionals provide to get courses tournament ready, or open after extreme weather patterns, helps generate revenue and adds considerable enjoyment to the game. It is very encouraging to see well known pros like Greg Norman recognize the role superintendents play in the golf industry, and work to bring them the recognition they deserve.
Discuss the passion of the Michigan GCSA Board of Directors.
I have had numerous Michigan GCSA (MiGCSA) members approach me privately and ask “will the MiGCSA be successful?” With some groups I manage, I admit I have had my doubts. In the case of MiGCSA, I am able to answer, “Yes, you will absolutely be successful.” When they counter with “How do you know?” I state, “Because of the passion the board possesses”.
Rarely have I worked with the board of a nonprofit which has shown such dedication, forward thinking and active participation in the governance process. This “will to succeed” is not limited to only a few board members, but is prevalent throughout the membership. We have members calling us to pay their dues, and wish us luck as their new management team. Everyone is engaged in the organization. That, in my opinion is the single most important feature in predicting the success of a nonprofit.
