A Well-Deserved Retirement

 Published: May 3, 2021

By: Addie Schiefer

 

After a richly-filled 40 years, AARC Employee Kathy Blackmon will retire.

Since 1980, Kathy Blackmon has been a staple member of not only the AARC Family but also the AARC Conventions & Meetings department. Now, after 40 years of dedicated service to the Association, Kathy is ready for a well-deserved retirement. This is truly an end of an era for the AARC. Kathy’s last day with the AARC will be Friday, May 7.

“Kathy Blackmon IS the AARC,” said AARC Chief Operating Officer Doug Laher, MBA, CAE, CMP, RRT, FAARC. “She has been woven into the fabric of this organization for more than 40 years. The Summer Forum. AARC Congress. They are the meetings they are today because of Kathy Blackmon.”

Anyone who has attended an AARC event has experienced the work of Kathy.

“Meeting rooms are set to perfection because of Kathy. Audio visual, lighting, food & beverages — even registration — have been flawlessly executed because of Kathy Blackmon,” Laher said. “It all happens because of her meticulous planning. And for that, we are all grateful.”

The AARC wishes the best for Kathy in her retirement. Colleagues and AARC members alike have been greatly benefitted by Kathy’s continued commitment, wisdom, and immense experience.

The Annual Go Red for Women Day at the AARC in 2017.
The Annual Go Red for Women Day at the AARC in 2017. (Kathy is third from right.)
AARC 2019 staff photo--fun style.
Putting our best ‘fun look’ forward, AARC staff pose for the 2019 staff photo. (Kathy is center, third row in blue.)
AARC Staff photo back in the earlier days of the Association.
Back in the day, AARC staff pose for their annual photo. (Kathy is in the back row, third from right.)

Email newsroom@aarc.org with questions or comments, we’d love to hear from you.

Addie Schiefer

Addie Schiefer is the Content Manager for the AARC where she creates engaging content for the association via the AARC website, newsletters, and social media. Connect with her about potential stories by email, AARConnect, or LinkedIn. When she’s not working, you can find her listening to a true crime podcast, traveling to new places with her husband, hanging out with her dog JoJo, or browsing the aisles of the nearest Target.

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