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Long-time RCMA Leader Dr. DeWayne Woodring to Retire, The Rev. Harry Schmidt Appointed New Executive Director
11/15/2011 3:56:21 PM
After an illustrious 30-year career with the Religious Conference Management Association, Dr. DeWayne Woodring has announced his departure as RCMA’s executive director, effective Dec. 31, 2011.
Ever active within the meetings industry, Dr. Woodring is a past Chairman of the Convention Industry Council, and is one of the original founders of CIC's Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) certification program. Dr. Woodring has served a delegate to the White House Conference on Travel and Tourism and on the International Curriculum Advisory Panel of George Washington University.
Dr. Woodring started with RCMA in 1982 with a small group of mainly Protestant clergy working evenings out of closet office in his home. He built RCMA into a stellar society dedicated to enhancing professionalism within the field of religious meetings management and to improving the experience of meeting attendees throughout the world.
In 1994, he received the highest honor in the meetings industry when he was inducted into CIC's Hall of Leaders for his distinguished contributions to the field.
The RCMA board unanimously appointed its vice president of the board, Rev. Harry Schmidt, as the organization's new executive director. Schmidt has served as president of Christian Life College, Mt. Prospect, Ill., for nearly two decades.
Rev. Schmidt, a leader known and respected within RCMA, also has had a career of service in the ministry and community. An ordained minister, he serves as a member in the Fellowship of Christian Assemblies and as first vice president for the Full Gospel Fellowship, Dallas, Texas. Schmidt is the founder of Ascension Convention and chairman of Mission Possible Foundation. He directed the formation of the International Education Fellowship, and he serves on the boards of Commonwealth Christian Ministries and WillGo Ministries.
"The foundation DeWayne built ensures this will be a smooth transition for RCMA," said Rev. Schmidt. "My calling has always been unmistakably in organizational development, and I look forward to the opportunity to continue to grow RCMA and nurture these leaders of excellence."
Replacing Schmidt as RCMA board vice president is Melvin Tennant, CAE, president and CEO of Meet Minneapolis, Official Convention and Visitors Association, marking the first time a supplier has held that position within the organization.
The 2012 RCMA World Conference and Exposition, themed "Dare to Dream," will celebrate the organization’s 40th conference, Dr. Woodring’s 30 years with RCMA, his 80th birthday and his retirement, as well as the association's new leadership. The conference will be in Kansas City, Mo., Jan. 24-27, 2012.
"This felt like the right time to pass on the mantle of leadership," said Dr. Woodring. "And I know RCMA will continue to thrive under Harry’s leadership for years to come. I look forward to the celebration with all the RCMA members in January."
