A few days ago I had the pleasure to speak to a new member, an individual pretty new to the recruitment industry (kind of like Kay years ago). I was impressed with this new member's energy and excitement about joining the network. Members like this represent the future of NPAworldwide. Equally as important, we must never forget the wonderful history of this almost 70 year old recruitment network.
Today the Chairman's Corner recognizes retiring member Kay Durkin of Phoenix Partners in greater Philadelphia. Kay's iconic journey with NPAworldwide started in 1993. I am sure all readers will take a moment to wish Kay well in the Chairman’s Corner comment section below.
Kay has written a note below about her career and how NPAworldwide came into her life. Her comments echo the thoughts of new members joining today: "I joined NPA as a way of expanding not only the scope of our business but also my professional network."
Kay, on behalf of the entire NPAworldwide family, thank you for your service, leadership and friendship. You have touched the lives of so many. I will also borrow a term that I picked up from your dear friend Laura Schmieder a couple years ago and say, Kay you represent The Essence of NPA. Thank you! Fair Winds and Following Seas.
From Kay
Recruiting is my fourth career and hopefully my last. In my previous lives, I have worked as a biochemist for a pharmaceutical company, as a product marketing manager for a scientific publisher and as a sales manager first for a timesharing vendor and then for a software development company. I got into recruiting after leaving the software company and like any smart person looking for a job, I contacted a local staffing firm. My recruiter talked me into coming to work for them as a recruiter trainee and, as they say, the rest is history.
Eighteen months after joining the local firm, the company closed their Philadelphia office so another recruiter and I started Phoenix Partners. After a year my partner left the firm and I took over the company. Today, Phoenix Partners, Inc. is a one person firm, supported by two virtual employees. The firm’s focus is on information systems; most of our work is in the Delaware Valley area, but an increasing number of projects are conducted for clients throughout the U.S. and globally, especially in Asia.
I joined NPA as a way of expanding not only the scope of our business but also my professional network. After several years working on the Computer/Net Committee, (now called Technology Practice Group) I took over as Chair and later joined the NPA Board of Directors with project responsibility first for the Quality Committee and later for Systems.
On the personal side, my husband and I live in suburban Philadelphia where I am active in several volunteer organizations. The Durkin family, including our son Jim, enjoys doing many things together, especially sports-related activities. We are anxiously waiting for the day when there will be a championship team in Philadelphia.
As I begin this new stage in my life, I look back fondly and proudly on this wonderful 30-year ride I have had. I have worked with some of the best recruitment firms in the business along with NPA's great staff. I have had the opportunity to travel the world and have enjoyed the company of so many dear friends. Thanks, NPA!