Amelia Poulin, District Administrator, PMA Twin Cities
Key Account Manager, Ajax Metal Forming Solutions
“It’s awesome to help students out, but getting our name out there is a priority.”
Being a district administrator takes a lot of organization, detail and planning. That’s exactly why Don Wellman and the Twin Cities District recruited Amelia for administrator in September of 2019, about a year after she was hired at Ajax Metal Forming Solutions. Her previous volunteer experience with the American Heart Association also didn’t hurt.
“We are just people trying to make a difference together…”
“When you go into a new job, you often don’t interact with the executive management,” says Amelia. “But volunteering for the district changed that right away. Our board members come from all levels and backgrounds of company management. It doesn’t take long to realize that, regardless of our titles, we are just people trying to make a difference together. The personal relationships that I have been able to build could not have happened as quickly if I weren’t part of the district.”
She goes on to say “…I am a business-minded person that wants to get things done right the first time. That’s how we all are on the board and all understand that we have our day jobs and need to attend to our families. Being on the board, we need to move quickly, speak clearly and act decisively to run the district effectively. Being in this position has really strengthened my confidence and communication skills.”
Like On-The-Job-Training
“It has also helped me get to know the industry,” says Amelia. Prior to joining Ajax, she had no manufacturing experience. “Organizing the plant tours, presentations and even the golf outings have been like on-the-job training in both the technical and management issues that companies face. It is a well-rounded experience.”
A Focus on Education
Amelia believes the greatest value she has received from her time as a volunteer is the focus and effort that the district puts into education. “Tony Kersey, District Director, and the entire Twin Cities board are making a heavy push to get the district more exposure to schools. Over the past year, we’ve worked with St. Francis High School and Irondale High School, have increased scholarship opportunities and really pushed the value of careers in manufacturing.”
When asked what could be done to attract more young professionals to serve on PMA district boards, Amelia (as to be expected by her no-nonsense approach), had no problem calling out PMA’s Member Engagement Manager by saying “…there are a number of ways to simplify volunteer engagement, from clearly defined roles and definitive direction through which every volunteer can succeed personally and professionally.”