As PMA celebrates its 80th anniversary this year, we want you to get to know the people behind the scenes that have contributed to PMA’s success. Each month we will feature a key PMA staff member on our blog.
This month we are highlighting Mike Novatny! Mike is celebrating nine years with PMA! Read on to get to know more about Mike and his role in helping PMA hit 80 years in business.
Name, title and time at PMA.
Mike Novatny – Graphic Designer, 9 years
What made you want to work at PMA?
I was drawn to the variety of work that I would be doing each day. I have had the opportunity to design printed materials, websites, event graphics, social media, videos and more since I started nine years ago.
I also saw the close-knit feel of the staff. We have a fun group of staff with tons of association experience to help our members.
How has PMA changed over the years since you started?
We’ve added new staff to the team over the years that have pushed PMA to the next level. We also have many of the same faces that were here when I first stated. Our most tenured staff bring the experience and institutional knowledge of PMA over the years that keep us focused on our members.
The latest change is the building renovations. The new office is amazing and has provided our events team with new technology to reach members who might not be able to travel to our office for training and meetings. I do enjoy the hybrid schedule we have implemented since COVID.
First event/meeting that you worked on/attended.
Our Automotive Parts Suppliers Conference was the first event that I worked on nine years ago. And now we are just starting the process of planning our 30th anniversary of APSC for next year!
Favorite PMA memory?
I have a few great memories. Having the opportunity to attend FABTECH in Chicago soon after I started allowed me to meet our members and understand the industry. I also enjoy our holiday parties here at the office, especially the one a few years ago where we did a shuffleboard tournament!
I might be the only one, but I enjoyed preparing the office for the renovations last year. Going through the office and finding stuff from years past as we cleaned up was pretty cool to see the past, present and future of PMA.
What does PMA mean to you?
Dedicated individuals working for our members and metalforming community to grow. Both our PMA staff and volunteers on our national and district boards have the same goal to continue to advocate for our industry.
What is your favorite part of your job? What excites you about working at PMA?
Collaborating with the different PMA departments on projects and learning how we can improve on what we did in the past. We have a very creative team at PMA and trying new ideas is something we do a lot.
What has been your biggest achievement/success while at PMA?
I’m most proud of the designs that I do for the Forming Our Future Annual Meeting. As it is our largest event, I design a bunch of different deliverables. And since the meeting moves to a new location each year, I enjoy incorporating the location into the design to give the event a different feeling each year.