Stephanie D. Jones, CAE, CMP, DES | Senior Director, Conferences and Education, Water Environment Federation

How many years have you been a CMP?

15 years

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Prince George’s County, Maryland, USA.

What did you want to (or think you’d) be when you grew up?

When I was growing up, I loved all things science. Biology was my favorite subject in high school, so I wanted to become a medical lab technician.

What was your educational field of study (college major or whatever, as applicable), and, if notably different from what you do, your how/why/story?

My story is kind of funny. As I mentioned, I wanted to be a medical lab technician. Unfortunately, I got the dates of the biology final wrong and missed it. I knew immediately that I was not going to repeat biology, so I changed my major and graduated with a degree in economics and a minor in public administration. I was eager to move out on my own after graduating, so I accepted a job working as an administrative assistant in the executive office of an association. Like many meeting planners in my generation, I sort of fell into meeting planning.

When did you first hear about the CMP designation and what drew you to this certification?

I first heard about the CMP designation in 2005 when several of my colleagues started preparing for the exam. I had been a meeting planner for about 10 years.

Favorite snack?

Cheetos Simply White Cheddar Jalapeno Puffs

What is the biggest life lesson you have learned during the pandemic?

What I have learned during the pandemic has only reinforced what I already knew about myself and meeting professionals. We have great coping skills when confronted with a crisis. We are resilient. We have the unique ability to confront a crisis while maintaining control of the situation. We can calmly and rationally look at the problem and envision a successful solution.

What was the last book you read/listened to?

The last book I read was "Our Iceberg is Melting" by John Kotter. It is a story about doing well under the stress and uncertainty of rapid change. We have been living in a state of constant change that has substantially upended major portions of our personal and professional lives. "Our Iceberg is Melting" provides tools to help thrive during tough times.

Do you have a favorite quote?

I have many favorite quotes and they can change based on what I am experiencing in my life at a specific moment in time. Right now, my favorite quote is from Shirley Chisolm. “You don’t make progress by standing on the sidelines, whimpering and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas.”