It's the end of session, what are ARRM staff members up to?
Humphrey Henry supports your supports!
Staff Highlight: Drew Henry, Director of Strategic Communications
How long have you been working at ARRM and what might a typical day look like for you?
I've worked at ARRM for close to three years. My typical days involve tracking state and national media for stories related to the field and ensuring our regular communications, like our social media channels and weekly emails to members, are prepped and ready to go. I also outline plans for how ARRM is going to deliver the information which will best represent our members, our industry, and help us to achieve our policy goals.
As the Director of Strategic Communications, you're familiar with various social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. Which platform do you find the most useful when conducting outreach efforts?
This really depends on who you are and what audience you're trying to reach. For ARRM, and similarly the Best Life Alliance, our grassroots education and activation messages are most successfully delivered on Facebook because it's where our most active and engaged user base is, and they're great about sharing the information we deliver. However, connecting with thought leaders and public opinion leaders is often a job for Twitter, where you can see and target information to the people who don't necessarily follow you. For example, during a committee hearing where a few legislators were raising questions about finances in the industry and whether dollars reach DSPs at the rate they should, we were able to directly tweet at legislators to let them know we had the information they were looking for. They responded and it started a dialogue which turned one of those legislators into a leading author for us in the House. So the short answer is, it all depends on who your organization is, who you're trying to reach, and what you want them to do.
Back by popular demand, a question about your food preferences! What is your favorite Mac & Cheese brand and do you add anything extra?
My Dad's homemade mac & cheese will always be my favorite. Noodles, butter, milk, and American cheese, nothin' better.
What are some of the projects you're currently working on?
The biggest project right now is getting ready to launch the recognition campaign for the 98 incredible ARRM Cares Award nominees submitted to us their year. These are all amazing depictions of the talent and drive it takes to be a DSP and the essential value they bring to the people they work with and their communities. This year we're going to spend a lot more time sharing each story with members and the public. Look for these stories on our Instagram, Facebook, in your email, and in the media. Help us share these stories and recognize these dedicated individuals and spread awareness about what we do and why it's important.
What is your proudest achievement?
I'm incredibly proud of everything our team has accomplished at ARRM, and what we will accomplish on behalf of our members in the months and years to come. But it's hard to top being a husband and a father.
What are your upcoming work goals?
The end of this year's legislative session will be a big moment, regardless of which direction things go. As it's poised now, there will be big wins for home and community-based services; an important step towards rebuilding that foundation which has made our field strong for several decades. Our goal will be to make sure our members, as well as the public, understand how the investments which the Legislature is considering will benefit DSP wages, but more importantly, pay dividends for the quality of supports provided to people with disabilities, and the value of the long-term policies which will begin to take effect over the next several months and years.
If you were to compare yourself to one fictional character, who would it be and why?
Josh Lyman from The West Wing. He's determined, sarcastic, and strong-willed. He really values his job as the White House Deputy Chief of Staff. He's always on the move and doesn't really believe in down time. At ARRM, I like to have a variety of to-do items on my agenda. It keeps me motivated and helps to prepare me for any challenges I might face. But most importantly, like Josh, I'm a big baseball fan.
Staff Snapshots
Sue Schettle, CEO
Update: I've been hitting the road, meeting with members, and getting their feedback on ways ARRM can support them more. I've also been focusing on the Vision Task Force forming now to help ARRM look toward the future of services in Minnesota. I got a new bike for Mother's Day so I'm all about that right now.
End of May Goals: Celebrate the end of session! Get our audit approved by the Finance Committee, work with ARRM staff to help them advance their work, and take some time to ride my new bike!
If you were to compare yourself to one fictional character, who would it be and why?: I would have to choose Mulan, the fictional character in the Disney movie of the same name. Mulan was a young woman who took on some substantial challenges in her life, exceeding expectations. Plus, she kicks butt and I love female characters who do that. I feel a certain kinship with her because I had a similar experience in my early professional career as the youngest and first female CEO of a medical society. I aspire to be like Mulan and just keep moving despite any barriers that are in your way that seem insurmountable.
Contact Sue: sschettle@arrm.org
Sara Grafstrom, Director of State and Federal Policy
Update: The 2019 legislative session is scheduled to adjourn Monday, May 20th. I've been spending most of my time at the Capitol, working to ensure that ARRM's legislative priorities get adopted into the final Health and Human Services Omnibus bill and to express our concerns with items we are opposed to. Additionally, multiple small groups have begun meeting to start planning ARRM's 2020 Legislative Agenda.
End of May Goals: I'm looking forward to a successful end to the legislative session and will be providing members with a full analysis of everything passed that will have an impact on our industry.
If you were to compare yourself to one fictional character, who would it be and why?: The mouse from the book "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" because I completely understand how one thing always leads to another!
Contact Sara: sgrafstrom@arrm.org
Ken Bence, Director of Research, Analysis and Policy
Update: April was an up and down month for me, from the low of my mother-in-law's passing at age 94, to the high of being together with my whole extended family at the wedding of a cousin in Pennsylvania. In between the highs and the lows, the day-to-day events of life carried on. We had a great meeting of the Alternative Payment Model Workgroup in which we learned about Arkansas' LTSS system and how they moved to a value-based payment system. Through the course of the last few weeks, as the legislative session has progressed in St. Paul, I have come to appreciate the dedication and flexibility that is required of our public affairs staff and lobbyists, sitting in the endless committee meetings, waiting for calls to order, and educating legislators on our issues. If we don't get everything we want by the time it's said and done, it won't be for lack of trying!
End of May Goals: Complete and submit our data request to DHS and complete and distribute the 2018 industry survey report.
If you were to compare yourself to one fictional character, who would it be and why?: I would compare myself to Firefighter/Paramedic Roy Desoto from the 1970s TV show Emergency! He was a kind, unshakable, patient man who was doing groundbreaking work as one of the first paramedics in the nation while helping people from all walks of life. When there were strange or unusual situations, he always figured out what to do. That is what I aspire to.
Contact Ken: kbence@arrm.org
Ashley Wear, Manager of Member Events and Promotions
Update: ANNUAL CONFERENCE! Sessions, speakers, and great alternative programming announced. You won't want to miss it!
End of May Goals: Launch the Annual Conference App for attendees.
If you were to compare yourself to one fictional character, who would it be and why?: Chandler Bing. Sarcasm level is expert, little anxious and quirky, thinks he's funnier than he is 😊
Contact Ashley: awear@arrm.org
Madeleine Lerner, Grassroots Organizer
Update: With session coming to an end, I've been working to keep tabs on the HHS Conference Committee meetings and answer any questions regarding advocacy efforts from members. Additionally, I've started to plan out events with legislators for the summertime and the beginning of next session.
End of May Goals: To solidify member and legislator engagement events for the summer. It's important for us to continue discussing pertinent issues and plan ahead for next year!
If you were to compare yourself to one fictional character, who would it be and why?: I have to go with Leslie Knope from Parks and Recreation. She always goes the distance for the people that mean the most to her. She's enthusiastic, tenacious, fun-loving, and a strong female leader. Not only do I like waffles, but I also love my job and being out in the field, organizing grassroots events. "I care. I care a lot. It's kind of my thing."
Contact Madeleine: mlerner@arrm.org
Savannah Hanley, Manager of Member Services
Update: ARRM Cares Instagram posts have started! I'll be letting companies know ahead of time when we'll be posting snippets about their nominee(s). Be sure to go on Instagram and like and comment on the posts! Remember to follow us: @arrm.mn!
End of May Goals: I'm currently working on a membership brochure as another part of our recruitment and retention plan. I'm hoping to have the framework done by the end of May and have it all put together by mid-June at the latest.
If you were to compare yourself to one fictional character, who would it be and why?: The character I most relate to is Maria von Trapp from the Sound of Music. She's free-spirited, warm, kind, and determined. Maria also loves singing, she finds it fun and encouraging. I absolutely love to sing and sometimes I even find myself doing it in the office!
Contact Savannah: shanley@arrm.org