Write a “blog,” make it “pithy” and it can be as long or short as you want.  Those were the instructions from Jason King when he asked me to “guest blog” as a past chair of the board to commemorate AAMVA’s 75th anniversary. 

Well, I know a little bit about blogs.  They encourage you to speak your mind, right?  Pithy? Well, that sounded a little “terse,” “curt” and to the point.  That would be a challenge for me.  But, as long or short as I want, that I could deal with.  So, here goes. 

Happy Anniversary AAMVA.  That should just about do it…a blog that is pithy and just long enough. 

Ok, I just can’t help myself.  I will add a little more.  After all, I am “semi-retired” and have lots of time on my hands.  That’s why it’s now more than three weeks since Jason asked and this is due in less than a week.  The funny thing about time is that there still is never enough, even for those of us who are semi-retired. 

A context in time is where I will begin here. 

My first “association” with AAMVA was in the early 1990’s--a time before I was an administrator and a time when I only worked with the Penn. DMV from the outside looking it.  I was director of customer relations for PennDOT and the AAMVA Region 1 Conference was in Pittsburgh, PA.  A colleague of mine and I were asked to speak and to lead a session on “How to Become More Customer Focused.”  So, we did the due diligence.  We developed our presentation, converted it to overheads (no power point yet), made handouts, practiced our delivery and we were off across the PA Turnpike for the three hour trek from Harrisburg to Pittsburgh. 

Customer service; an important topic and we were expecting about 50-75 people in our session.  Not quite a “keynote,” but enough to prepare a little.  Well, I bet you are thinking that the room was packed and we really drew a crowd.  Not so much.  Five people showed up for our presentation and I think three of them were PA people who felt they had to be there. 

To say that my first impression of AAMVA was a little weak would be an understatement.  To this day, I still don’t know where everyone was.  I like to believe there was a more compelling session or maybe the Pittsburgh Pirates were playing at home (and they may have had a good year) or maybe there was a championship golf course near by (like Oakmont where the US Open was held that year).  Or maybe I just wasn't that interesting.  Now, that must have been the answer. 

That day in Pittsburgh, I had no idea that I would some day lead a DMV, work at one for 12 years, be involved in many areas of AAMVA in the region and internationally or chair the board for AAMVA.  But, as I learned more, and became engaged in AAMVA, I saw a very different association in subsequent years. 

I saw an organization change and face many challenges.  I saw a committed staff and volunteer base evolve.  I saw an industry that innovates, engages and has lots to offer.  And I witnessed many changes in the environment and customers who rely on the products and services of a DMV.  It is a lesson that first impressions are not always right.  And, it also is a lesson about roles and perspective…as roles change, perspective changes. 

My role and perspective have changed over the years and especially this past year.  Putting things in perspective, here are my anniversary “wishes” as AAMVA celebrates 75 years…. 

1. Grab the Opportunity.  AAMVA provides great opportunity for individual growth, jurisdictional involvement, networking and learning on the jurisdictional and industry sides.  Volunteer to be involved, volunteer to mentor others, show them the ropes, make friends, and develop friendships.  I always got a lot more back then I was able to give and learned a lot from many people.  Dick Flynn was my first mentor at AAMVA.  He encouraged me to get involved, and he was right. 

2. Utilize Industry’s Expertise.  The industry and the people who make up the industry have a lot to offer and those offerings are much more than their financial contributions to defray costs for conferences.   The skill, knowledge, expertise and experience of many in the private sector can be beneficial for the entire community.  A strong industry/member partnership can make this happen.

3. Look at it from all sides.  AAMVA’s Board needs to continue to be multi-disciplined, encompassing all aspects of motor vehicles, driver licensing and law enforcement.   Getting volunteers involved at the regional level can make this happen.  So many of the issues cross organizational lines and many different perspectives can lead to an even better association.

4. Stay financially viable. While it’s not all about the money, AAMVA needs to continue to be financially viable.  It has come a long way from the dark days, but it continues to face challenges as costs rise and needs multiply.  CDLIS revenues are a huge part of AAMVA’s budget. It is important for AAMVA and its jurisdictional leadership to ensure a funding stream that meets the needs of its members…but not on the backs of its members or associate members.

5. Embrace Security as the third “S.”  Security, the third “S” (joining safety and service), is most likely here to stay as this community braces for the final REAL ID regulations and looks to ensure secure products and transactions on the vehicle side as well. A broad view of motor vehicle/driver licensing’s roles in security is critical for the future.  The organization and its members have come a long way here as continuous improvements have been made to products and processes in all jurisdictions.  The improvement continuum most likely will not stop as dedicated people on the public and private side press on.  The security focus has helped transform AAMVA into a nationally recognized association making its 75th Birthday a proud one for sure.

6. Be a Strong Technical Leader.  Over the past 75 years, AAMVA too has taken a strong role in establishing common technical standards and providing expertise and technical services to the jurisdictions, especially with the AAMVAnet network.  A lot of what an association does is to foster communications between members. AAMVA has a unique facility to enable data exchange between jurisdictions in addition to the face to face idea sharing. This facility should be protected and nourished. My anniversary wish would be for this role to continue to develop and for AAMVA, with the industry, to become “technical standard setters.”  While jurisdictions have lots of expertise, AAMVA can continue to provide value in this area.

7. Scan the environment…frequently.  What are the trends, what are the issues, what are the enhancers and detractors?  What may have worked a few years ago, may not work today.  AAMVA can’t be everything to everybody.

8. Celebrate the Staff.  The staff of AAMVA is a group of hard working, talented and dedicated people.  Some out in front and many behind the scenes.  You really see this first hand when you serve as Chair of the Board and spend so much time with so many of them.  They should be recognized at every opportunity.

9. Commemorate as a Community.  Some of my best friends and many of my best times were and still are a part of some aspect of AAMVA.  It is indeed a great community, a family – a caring family.  One that has been very good to me in good times and not so good times.

Congratulations and Happy Anniversary AAMVA!  Thanks to all who made it a great association over the past 75 years! I am grateful that I was able to be a part of the history and I am looking forward to being a part of its future as well.

Betty Serian
(retired) Deputy Director, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
Safety Administration

and

Past Chair of the AAMVA Board of Directors (2002-2003)

Betty Serian is now the Principal and CEO of Betty Serian and Associates