Judy Reinhardt has served MENC for almost 16 years and is currently its assistant executive director for business and administration. She’s also in charge of scheduling all the Resource Shops--where MENC publications and other resources are sold--at conferences and meetings all over the United States.

“My philosophy is to treat MENC as I do my own household,” says Reinhardt. “Get the best deal you can so resources aren’t wasted and so work is of high quality.” She advises those who are new in administrative positions, “Don’t be afraid to ask questions--you can learn a great deal from hearing how others have dealt with similar problems.”

Reinhardt adds, “Always have a Plan B. I try to ask myself, ‘What could go wrong?’ then plan for those possibilities.”

As an administrator, Reinhardt places great importance on being organized and planning ahead. She’s always on time herself, and she expects those who assist her to be reliable as well.

The MENC Resource Shops offer Judy Reinhardt and other MENC staff the opportunity to meet members face-to-face and hear about their concerns. Many situations can be cleared up quickly when people talk face-to-face. She enjoys helping people solve problems by connecting them with those who can assist them--and sometimes that person is Reinhardt herself!

Resources: Do you have a copy of the most recent “MENC Resource Guide”? If not, e-mail mbrserv@menc.org and request that it be sent to your current mailing address. You might also want the R&L Education / MENC “Professional Resource Guide” (go to http://www.rowmaneducation.com/Request/ to get a copy), which lists some of the many publications available to music educators to help them do their best on the job.

--Ella Wilcox, June 18, 2008, © MENC: The National Association for Music Education (www.menc.org)