Paul Casey at Leadership Tri-Cities Class XXVI Graduation -- Anthology Event Center
Paul Casey at Class XXVI Graduation

Paul Casey, our new Executive Director, brings a wealth of Leadership knowledge and a deep connection to Leadership Tri-Cities.

In this role, Casey will lead and guide the organization’s programs, operations, and strategic planning.

Connect with Leadership Tri-Cities here

Let’s get to know Paul!

Question 1: Can you tell us a bit about your background and what led you to become Leadership Tri-Cities new executive director?

I’m an educator at heart, starting with being a 5th grade teacher and then a vice-principal and elementary principal before becoming an executive pastor. Along the way, I threw my name in the hat for being a workshop speaker at teacher conventions and loved it! That expanded to speaking at administrator conventions, and I started developing a hunger for learning about leadership. 

I started reading and listening to (remember cassette tapes?) everything on leadership that I could get my hands on. This began developing in me a desire to help others grow in their leadership skills, and I started my business Growing Forward Services eight years ago full-time. 

In 2005-06, I signed up for Leadership Tri-Cities, Class XI. I had been in a bubble in my industry and didn’t interact much with the community. LTC opened my eyes to all the incredible leaders and organizations here. And it started to bring me out of my shell, having an increased desire to make community connections and relationships. I joined the LTC board as leadership development director, and later class director of class XXII. 

Seeing the volunteer board work so hard while each member had a day job made me think how LTC needed a paid employee to keep LTC on the community’s radar–since it was accomplishing great things every year. Finally, the board made the decision two years ago to hire an Executive Director–funny, it was while I was facilitating their strategic planning retreat!

I was approached in February to consider the position. I laughed because I’m an entrepreneur with a more-than-full-time job! After confirming it could be part-time and they’d be flexible with my schedule of building community leaders through coaching/training, I agreed. Being ED of LTC was my dream job before starting my business, and now I get to do both!

Question 2: What are your top priorities for the organization in the coming year?

  • Priority 1: Visibility of LTC in the Community. People have heard of LTC but don’t really know what it is and the impact it’s having.
  • Priority 2: Re-engaging its over 550 alumni. If each person would play one volunteer role, even if very small, I can’t imagine how strong this organization will continue to be.
  • Priority 3: Strengthen the infrastructure. The board has done amazing at keeping LTC going for 26 years, and it’s time to nail down policies/procedures/checklists–and creative new ideas to make things efficient.

Question 3: What do you consider to be the biggest challenge and how do you plan to tackle it?

Speaking to the priorities above, I plan to build relationships one at a time with board members, sponsors, alumni, and new community connections.

I want to listen to what needs to stay “in marble” (LTC traditions to keep) and what needs to be “in sand” (moldable aspects of LTC that need to flex with the times). 

Question 4: What would you consider the most impactful leadership principle and how do you apply it?

It’s a toss between Inspire a Shared Vision and Encourage the Heart. 

A leader needs to convince their team by example that they care about their people with affirmation/recognition, and they have a compelling direction where they are taking them.

If the employee feels those two things, they’ll follow that leader anywhere.

Question 5: If you could have a superpower, what would it be and how would you used it to benefit LTC?

Omnipresence!

OK, only God has that, but maybe the Flash, who could dart to coffee shops and companies throughout a day quickly to make connections. Be fully present, and then onto the next person to add value to.

Question 6: Can you share a fun fact or interesting tidbit about yourself that most people don’t know?

My dad was a professional volleyball player, making it to the highest level in the USA before men were allowed to play at the Olympic level.

For me, I read 61 books last year–on leadership and personal growth. I listen to comedians while driving around town. And pizza and cheesecake are my favorite comfort foods.