Stephen D. Powell, the second chair of the MPI Foundation Global Board of Trustees (1991), says he learned and refined his ability to communicate with and motivate other leaders toward a common goal during his MPIF leadership tenure.

Read much more about the MPI Foundation’s mission and accomplishments in our special 40th anniversary commemorative issue!

Can you tell us why you decided to get involved in the early days of the MPI Foundation?

I had served on the MPI Executive Committee for a couple of years and then became president. I eventually became chairman of the foundation board. My experience enabled me to effectively articulate the goals and mission of the foundation and how it supports MPI to the donor community. I wanted to serve on the foundation board to develop resources and funds that supported MPI in the short and long terms.

Can you tell us about an important initiative of the foundation during your leadership tenure?

During my tenure on the MPI Foundation Board of Trustees, we took on the funding for the modernization of the MPI Resource Center, which had been established years before in hard copy. The MPI Resource Center was a repository of books, periodicals, research/analysis reports and textbooks relevant to the industry. The project included digitizing most of this information and making it available online to members, students and the industry at large. It was the only sector resource of its kind when it was completed. Additionally, we created online bulletin boards (remember those?) for member discussions on relevant topics. Again, it was the only online forum of its kind within the industry at that time.

How did the foundation grow/change during your tenure?

During my term as president, our planning became more focused on fundraising with a specific goal and suggested plan of action for achievement with each board member. We reported on our progress at each board meeting.

Can you tell us about a personal highlight from your involvement with the foundation? 

During my tenure on the board, I learned and refined my leadership skills in communicating and motivating other leaders toward a common goal. A highlight was when we had success, it was shared by all. Happy days.

Looking back, why are you glad you decided to take on a leadership role with the foundation?

Good leadership skills and practices are learned, honed and adopted through experience. The MPI Foundation and its board was one forum to acquire and practice effective leadership skills. I believe that I became a more effective leader in my business and personal life as a result of the foundation experience.