ACPA Concrete Pavement Progress - Quarter 3, 2021

Concrete Pavement Progress www.acpa.org 6 I N T E R V I E W W I T H L A U R A O ’ N E I L L K A U M O Meet and Greet: A Quick Interview with New ACPA President and CEO, Laura O’Neill Kaumo We had a chance to sit down with the ACPA’s incoming President & CEO Laura O’Neill Kaumo for a brief interview in mid-July. Laura was introduced at the Mid-Year Meeting in Milwaukee in June, and officially started July 12. Scott: Laura, good afternoon, so glad to have you joining the ACPA Team. Laura: Thank you Scott, it’s great to be here, I am look- ing forward to being a part of ACPA. This is a team that is highly dedicated to the cause and it’s an honor to be a part of it. S: Laura, could you share a little bit about your background, and how it aligns with the ACPA membership? L: Sure, I have been involved with trade association management, specifically in the transportation and infrastructure space for around 15 years. Government and legal affairs for nearly 20 years. I’ve worked with engineering firms, aggregates, and highway users—like the independent truck drivers. I love opening doors and developing opportunities for members who stand 100% behind their message or product with passion and conviction. Not only does that make the job a lot easier and more enjoyable, but it also helps me jump out of bed every morning. I see that passion in the concrete paving industry, and I plan to help carry that message forward to decisionmakers and lawmakers to elevate the overall brand. S: We know it’s early, your first week, what is on your “to-do” list over the next 100 days? L: Hearing more about how ACPA can be an even greater asset to its members and state partners. Then, developing a plan for growth, revenue diversification, and stability through improved communications, en- hanced marketing, and strengthening of our ACPA Federation. ACPA is doing a lot really well, particularly on the technical side to help serve its membership, I plan to build upon that as well as shore up our govern- ment affairs efforts. S: I noticed we are both Detroit Lions fans, I guess I will have someone to commiserate with (lol). Are you originally from Michigan? L: Fan is a strong word. It’s more of a one-sided re- lationship where hope springs eternal season after season of crushing defeat—it’s sort of like a Doctor Strange time loop. Yes, I am a Michigan native. I graduated from the Grand Ledge High School, attended Michigan State University, and received a BS from Eastern Michigan University before getting my JD at the University of Miami School of law. S: You place a high value on teamwork, what are some of the things that make teams most effective? L: Honesty, trust, and kindness are some of the traits I value most on a team. Also, respect—knowing that everyone has an important role to play and respecting the position they hold is the only way to achieve suc- cess. We all come together for a shared purpose—the advancement of concrete paving—let’s get passionate aboutwhat it iswe do andhowtomake thatmissionwork. S: When I think of teamwork, I think of everyone working in concert together, kind of like an England Premier League (EPL) Soccer/Football team. How did you become a West Ham Hammers fan? L: Ha! Ok, based on your earlier sports question, you can tell I love the underdog, and I don’t give up on a situation even when the chips are down. I also love learning new things and as an avid sports fan, I decided to take an interest in the EPL. Not wanting to simply jump on the bandwagon for Clubs with a lot of recent success likeManU, my husband and I debated between Liverpool and West Ham. We happened to see an epi- sode ofThe IT Crowd where the IT guys were trying to pretend they knew sports and they said they followed West Ham solely because there happened to be a ham in the room. So, there it is. It was that arbitrary. It was humorous. It’s been delightful. I can’t promise that in the early morning hours I am inmy kit watching every match, but I do catch a few and am thrilled we came in 6th! David Moyes (Head Coach) had a great year (Coach of the Year nominee)! COYI.