DCTC instructor one of seven worldwide to achieve CMM and CAE status
Rosealee M. Lee, an instructor in the Meeting and Event Management program at Dakota County Technical College, is one of seven individuals on the planet to earn the dual designation of Certified Meeting Manager and Certified Association Executive.
Lee has led nonprofit and for-profit organizations in the education and service arenas for more than three decades. She explained that nonprofit organizations actually host the majority of meetings, events and trade shows.
“Recent economic shifts in the for-profit business sector have blurred the division of for-profit and nonprofit business models,” Lee said. “For-profit businesses are increasingly modeling nonprofits in management and leadership areas, not just in the meeting and event industry. For-profits now recognize that the values, philosophies and transparency of nonprofits work in profit businesses as well.”
According to Meeting Professionals International, the “mission of the CMM program is to select, educate, and certify management-level meeting and event professionals. The focus of the certification is to provide continuing education enhancements to the strategic decision-making ability of these leaders to manage and deliver exceptional meetings and events that drive organizational success. The CMM certification and resulting designation is the most prestigious in the meeting and event industry.”
Less than 800 meeting professionals around the world have earned the coveted CMM designation, now recognized as the highest professional education achievement in the meeting industry. CMM-certified planners at the senior leadership level are esteemed as go-to decision makers in their companies, businesses and organizations.
According to the American Society of Association Executives, the “CAE is the highest professional credential in the association industry. The National Commission for Certifying Agencies accredits the CAE program. To earn the CAE credential, candidates must first submit an application satisfying professional experience and education requirements. Successful applicants must next pass a challenging examination on all aspects of association management. Candidates undertake significant lengths of study in preparation for the exam, and only those who are able to achieve the designated examination score, earn the CAE credential.”
“Once earned, the certification must be renewed every three years through additional studies and leadership activities. Thus, it is an honor neither easily earned nor maintained. Certified Association Executives have demonstrated a high-level of knowledge, ethical fitness and leadership in the field of association management.”
Lee has served DCTC students for six years in adjunct and full-time faculty positions. The Meeting and Event Management program at Dakota County Technical College prepares students to enter the hospitality industry, which shows consistent increases in salary, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Coursework provides the knowledge and skill sets to offer premier services and guest satisfaction in meeting, conference and event management businesses, marketing and public relations firms, nonprofit and for-profit corporations, hotels, golf and country clubs, casinos, resorts and other industry attractions.
To learn more about Rosealee Lee, read the following stories:
- “Rosealee Lee Wins Vision Award for Inspiration”
- “Rosealee Lee Named VP of Leadership Development for MN MPI Chapter”
- “Rosealee Lee Wins Lifetime Achievement Award”
You can also check out the following social media sites:
- DCTC Hospitality Network
- DCTC Business & Management blog
For more information about the Meeting and Event Management program, contact:
- Rosealee Lee
Hospitality Careers Instructor
651-423-8604 - Jessica Bartram
Hospitality Careers Instructor - David Keinert
Hospitality Careers Instructor
