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This story is part of our November 2021 CoSIDA 360 package, to view more stories,
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Memories of a Five-Decade Career
by Doug Vance – CoSIDA Executive Director
My introduction to the name, CoSIDA, happened around 1970 when I was undergraduate student at Eastern Kentucky University where my brother was the SID.
I was in the sports information office, likely getting in the way of things, and one day noticed something called “CoSIDA Directory” laying on a desk.
Clearly uninformed, I was curious what those initials represented. I was told that CoSIDA was the acronym for “Congress of Sports Information Directors Association.”
Obviously, the national organization wasn’t a big point of emphasis in the EKU sports information office in those days. But in fairness, CoSIDA was still in its formative stage.
That was roughly five decades ago and it’s accurate to say that both CoSIDA and I have evolved into something very different than we were in those early years. I eventually learned the correct name for the organization but never imagined I’d be ending my career with it printed on my business card.
I find myself now on the bell lap of my time as executive director of an organization that has been significant throughout my career. The retirement pasture looms ahead after nine years of service representing some of the most talented and hard-working people in college athletics.
As the end of anything meaningful in your life approaches, it often triggers thoughts of how it started. I remember the moment when the idea of pursuing this position was first presented.
This memorable journey started on a lazy summer afternoon in 2013 with an unexpected phone call from a trusted friend. “I’m calling to let you know that CoSIDA is advertising for a new executive director and I think you should apply,” explained Paul Just, the long-time SID at Western Kentucky.
Doug Vance and Paul Just at 2015 CoSIDA Convention. It was Paul who first encouraged Doug to apply for the executive director position.
At the time, I was in my ninth year as executive director of the Kansas Recreation and Park Association which had represented a significant career change for a guy who spent 30 years in the sports information world.
My initial reaction, which I shared with Paul, was not favorable. I had doubts that I could be a serious candidate based on my lengthy absence of involvement in the profession. Also, I assumed that those handling the search would likely want someone younger. Plus, I was happy in the job I had.
Paul, however, encouraged me and gave assurances that if I applied that I’d get serious consideration.
CoSIDA was an important part of my life over those 30 years handling communications at three schools. I had served as president of the organization and some of my most cherished memories were formed at CoSIDA Workshops, as the annual event was called for many years.
I struggled with what to do for several days. As is the case in most of my big decisions over the years, it was Sue, my wife, who guided me toward this one. “I think you should go for it,” I remember her simply saying. “It would be your dream job.”
Her comment helped me pull the trigger. I applied and after seven rather challenging interviews later, the last one at the Atlanta Airport, I got the call from CoSIDA President Shelly Poe with the news that I was the search committee’s choice.
Sue’s astute comment about “dream job” proved accurate. In many ways, taking this job equated to coming back home to a world I had reluctantly left behind. I attended my first CoSIDA Workshop in 1975. The 2022 CoSIDA Convention will be my last as a representative of the organization.
Doug and Sue Vance at the 2017 CoSDA Convention
I approach this new role in life, where paychecks come from Social Security, with much trepidation. Stepping away is not easy, but it shouldn’t be. Retirement is a farewell to colleagues, friends and a job that have been a central focus of my life.
As the old adage goes, now is the time for me to stop living at work and start working at living.
I’ll miss most my daily interactions with a group I feel is a preeminent staff who care deeply about the welfare of CoSIDA. It will be difficult to say goodbye to Will, Barb, Laurie and Beau.
Membership teamwork is the leadership force that guides this organization. I’ll always be indebted to each of the nine dedicated association presidents along with 46 board members whom I’ve had the honor to work with in addressing CoSIDA’s opportunities and issues.
That thanks also applies to the nearly 70 volunteers who now serve in CoSIDA Cabinets and the nearly 500 members who each year volunteer on committees and work groups.
Finally, I can’t write about my experience as executive director without acknowledging the important staff foundation built by John Humenik. John was the first full-time CoSIDA executive director and deserves credit for developing many of the processes we continue to use.
That all being said, I’m not quite ready for that rocking chair yet. I have nine more months of important work and decisions before my time expires at the end of next July.
The dream job responsibilities will belong to someone else after that. It’s time for a change and I’ll be excited to support our next executive director in any way I can.
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