AMCP Volunteer Spotlight: Marissa Schlaifer

AMCP’s volunteers are key players in propelling our mission forward. We appreciate the extra time each person dedicates to their position. To shed light on their amazing work, we are introducing the AMCP Volunteer Spotlight. In this installment, past AMCP Board President and current Optum VP of Policy and Chair of AMCP Committee on Nominations, Marissa Schlaifer, shares her experience and why she chose to apply for the AMCP Board of Directors. 
 

What interested you in applying to become a member of the AMCP Board of Directors?  
 
I was fortunate to work closely with the AMCP Board of Directors during my 10 years as a staff member at AMCP (2003 – 2012). I had great admiration for each of the AMCP members that served on the Board during that time and recognized how essential their leadership was in providing the strategic direction for the organization. I have benefited much from my AMCP involvement and wanted to help contribute to the organization at all levels. 
 
In addition to being president, what other areas within AMCP did you volunteer and why?  
 
Before joining AMCP staff in 2003, I was a member of and chaired the Strategic Planning and Development Committee and Educational Affairs Committee. After leaving AMCP staff and taking a few years away from AMCP involvement, I was a member of the Public Policy Committee. My early committee responsibilities gave me the opportunity to gain new expertise while volunteering.  (Craig Stern, in his role as Strategic Planning and Development Committee Chair, taught me what a SWOT analysis was). My later committee roles let me contribute using the knowledge I had due to my job responsibilities and career experience. 
 
What value did you gain from that experience?  
 
My AMCP involvement completely changed my career trajectory — but more importantly, it led to wonderful friendship.  
 
My early AMCP volunteer activities led me to a 10-year role leading pharmacy affairs and regulatory affairs for AMCP. It was a huge advantage to interview for the role when I already knew (and was known by) the staff. The primary question during my interview was, “If you are offered the job, will you actually move from Texas?” 
 
But the friendships made with other committee and Board colleagues and the awesome AMCP staff are what I will always treasure. 
 
What advice would you give an AMCP member who wants to become a volunteer?  
 
Do it! AMCP is only as great as its volunteers, and we need a strong association to provide the advocacy, educational and networking opportunities important to all of us. If you have not previously been on an AMCP committee, please volunteer when the call for committee members comes out later this year.  As a first-time committee applicant, you should accept that it may take a couple tries before you are selected. It’s in your best interest to list multiple committee choices. If you don’t get selected as a committee member — or if it better fits your ability to make time commitments — volunteer to be a session moderator or a diplomat for a college of pharmacy or join an interest group.  
 
Is there anything else you would like to provide?  
 
If you have an interest in serving on the AMCP Board of Directors, please apply by Sept. 1. 
 
If you have questions about the nominations process, please connect with me on Collaborate or contact Evonne Jackson at @email.