This Side of Paradise
Asked to write a blog about AAMVA, I felt obliged to find a
noteworthy title. Being a Minnesotan, I decided to borrow from
Fitzgerald and surprisingly found just what I was looking for.
Now you may be thinking, “AAMVA. Paradise. Huh? Who is this Burke
Moore person and what is she talking about?”
Let me explain.
I first made contact with AAMVA in the late 80s
when the Minnesota Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) hired me to write legislation to implement
commercial driver's license (CDL) provisions. At that point, all I knew about driver's licenses was that
I had one in my wallet.
I was quickly referred to AAMVA and
I was quickly referred to AAMVA and
found it a great resource. With workshops and information from AAMVA,
and guidance from a legislative-savvy Minnesotan, we passed CDL
provisions that session.
Success! This is paradise.
Success! This is paradise.
In ’91, I was asked to serve as the Director of the Minnesota DMV.
Within the first couple months I got a call from the regional
director of AAMVA encouraging me to get involved with the association and to attend
the “new administrators workshop” that spring.
My husband accompanied me to the pre-workshop reception.
As we entered the room, that regional director approached my husband and asked him
My husband accompanied me to the pre-workshop reception.
As we entered the room, that regional director approached my husband and asked him
how he liked motor vehicle administration in Minnesota.
I replied, “What about him, looks like a Katherine?”
I thought, "What have I gotten myself into?" This is no paradise.
I replied, “What about him, looks like a Katherine?”
I thought, "What have I gotten myself into?" This is no paradise.
But I quickly saw the value of AAMVA – program and technical support,
representation before Congress, knowledgeable staff, etc. I could
go on and on. Most invaluable – the forums with industry and
colleagues from other jurisdictions. I used that list of
contacts again and again to discuss challenges and celebrate
successes. (Not to mention the friends I made.) Collaboration –
a path to paradise.
I had the opportunity to serve on committees and boards in many
capacities culminating with the honor to serve as Chair of the AAMVA Board of Directors
in 2000. As in any organization, some years were great – board and
staff working together moving AAMVA and the jurisdictions
forward. While other years the board accomplished little more
than agreeing to disagree.
My year as chair was a roller coaster ride, starting with members aligning regionally and
not interested in the common good. But when things got tough, the barriers went
My year as chair was a roller coaster ride, starting with members aligning regionally and
not interested in the common good. But when things got tough, the barriers went
down. Board meetings focused on improving AAMVA and ensuring its
financial base. When it became clear that the board needed
consensus to tackle some major issues, it was gratifying to see
members working to keep AAMVA working for them. Conference calls,
late night exchanges of emails, everyone stepped up and worked
together.
Sometimes you have to go through hell to find paradise
Sometimes you have to go through hell to find paradise
again.
I am proud to have been a part of AAMVA, I miss you all, and I hope
to get an invitation to this 75th Anniversary party!
Katherine Burke Moore
Deputy Director, Office of Traffic Safety
Minnesota Department of Public Safety
and
Past Chair, AAMVA Board of Directors (2000)
Katherine Burke Moore
Deputy Director, Office of Traffic Safety
Minnesota Department of Public Safety
and
Past Chair, AAMVA Board of Directors (2000)
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