26 Building the Future Today, ISA is focused on meeting the evolving needs of an industry dominated by small entrepreneurs. The association recently unveiled a new learning management system and education strategy designed to make professional development more accessible to members who might be “out on a crane truck at two o’clock in the afternoon.” The initiative exemplifies Anderson’s approach to leadership: understanding your people’s real needs, meeting them where they are, and building solutions that serve both current challenges and future growth. As she reflects on receiving the Trade Association Executive of the Year award, Anderson maintains her characteristic humility. “I look at the amazing list of individuals who have received this award in the past, and it’s almost indescribable, the honor that it is,” she says. She’s particularly proud that ISA, as one of the smaller associations to receive the recognition, demonstrates the diverse impact associations can have regardless of their size. In an era where association leaders face unprecedented challenges—from political polarization to artificial intelligence—Anderson’s message is both practical and profound: take it one moment at a time, focus on what you can control, and don’t forget to occasionally retreat to your basement for a ten-minute reset. After all, as Anderson reminds us, the sign industry won’t fall apart if we take a moment to breathe. Neither will our associations. But they might just flourish if we lead them with the kind of human- centered, story-driven approach that has defined her remarkable career. Power Players
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