Even in this time of dramatic budget cuts and staff reductions, the position of COO is emerging as essential for some larger associations that now conceive of the COO’s role as a multi-faceted strategic thinker who serves as a manager—and a driver—of organizational change. “You can’t ever close your eyes—not for a day—to the strategic implications of what you’re doing,” said David Gilbert, the new COO of the National Restaurant Association. Indeed, the evolution of the COO’s role beyond a straight operations manager has meant that the position wields added value for an association under the right circumstances, some management experts say. “They’re like the other… Read More