Allison Herdic, Manager, Research and Conferences, Chartwell Inc., Atlanta
What was your first job out of college and how did you get into this business?
After completing an internship with Atlanta INtown, a monthly, feature-based publication, I stayed on as a staff writer. Shortly thereafter, I joined Chartwell Inc.’s research team to cover customer care issues for the utility industry.
Has there been a defining moment in your career? Perhaps when you knew you were on the right road.
Ironically, this occurred very recently when I was named Chartwell’s manager of research and conferences. After spending four years with the research team and another four managing Chartwell’s conferences, this role allows me to blend my enthusiasm and years of service to support all of our information delivery channels.
In brief, describe your business/company?
Chartwell is an independent information firm that produces in-depth, objective research on customer-facing issues in the utility industry. We also offer conferences and other educational events where we facilitate an environment where utility professionals can discuss successful programs, innovative strategies and solutions to the industry’s most pressing issues.
What are two or three important concepts or rules that have helped you to succeed in business?
1) Change is evitable, so learn to embrace it. The way we serve our customers continues to evolve, and we need to make sure we are doing this to the best of our ability.
2) On the note of serving customers, don’t assume you know what they want. Ask them. Implement. Repeat.
3) Learn how to work well independently and as part of a team. Many of today’s successful business environments call for a blend of both.
What is the single-most successful thing that your company is doing now?
Chartwell is using multiple channels to disseminate information. The way readers want information is changing so rapidly, and I feel Chartwell has embraced this evolution strongly and strategically by providing information via reports, webinars, conferences and social media.
Do you see a trend or path that you have to lock onto for the rest of 2011?
The movement toward video content is most certainly on our agenda.
What are the key benefits of SIPA membership for you and your team?
Chartwell has identified SIPA as a strong association and forum for sharing ideas with like-minded professionals and publishers. Our business is unique, but we can find common threads with other SIPA members to learn about successes and challenges.
Where did you grow up?
Fayetteville, Ga.
What college did you attend? Is there a moment from that time that stands out?
I earned my bachelors degree in corporate journalism from Auburn University, and I continue to realize I followed my heart wisely in selecting this major. I recently completed my MBA at the University of West Georgia, an academic experience that opened my eyes to a whole new realm of critical thinking.
Are you married? Do you have children?
I married my husband in 2004, and our children include rescue dogs and cats.
What is your favorite hobby and how did it develop in your life?
This is challenging, as it is tough to name one that stands above the rest. Reading and writing support my professional passions, but I also enjoy being outside as much as possible, ranging from gardening to road cycling and hiking.
Is there a book you recently read or movie you saw that you would recommend?
“The Social Network” reminds me that one person’s idea can change the world—literally. I think in the publishing industry, we have to be prepared for what the next game-changer will be. More than likely, we’ll either be using it or writing about it.
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Allison attended the very valuable SIPA 2011 Conference
in Washington, D.C., and you still can too—in a way!
Just go to SIPAcademy and check the sessions you want:
from Editorial Strategies to Propel Your Events to
Mobile to Tablets for Publishers – Ready or Not, Here They Come.
Or just buy the whole package!
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