Our Man for All Seasons
As a fledgling Legislative Councilor from Connecticut in 1973, I quickly realized that a key National Office resource was the Deputy Director Fred Spahr. Next to Luella Cannon, Fred was the staff member who always had the answers related to ASHA policies, practices, and protocols. His willingness to share his information and facilitate the work of ASHA volunteers in ASHA governance was a trait that became one of his hallmarks.
As a member of the ASHA Search Committee for Ken Johnson’s replacement, I saw that Fred’s knowledge of ASHA and his experiences as deputy director clearly placed him far ahead of the other candidates. Over the next two decades, Fred’s performance as ASHA’s executive director validated my confidence in his ability. His exceptional leadership of the Association was recognized not only by ASHA members but association executives nationally.
Fred’s incredible acrobatic ability to balance the needs of ASHA, the National Office staff, and an Executive Board whose membership changed annually required incredible fortitude, leadership, and skills of diplomacy. Fred met the challenge with aplomb and professionalism.
Fred has been a true friend and colleague over three decades. We faced difficult challenges and we worked together to resolve thorny issues. On more than one occasion, I asked Fred to support a view or an issue that was considered controversial by some of our members. His support was unswerving. As ASHA president in 1988, I relied upon Fred to help promote my presidential initiatives of marketing and multiculturalism. I hold Fred in the highest esteem and value his friendship. He has served ASHA well and can take pride in its growth and respected status among related professional associations. Well done, Fred!
—Sandra C. Holley, dean of the School of Graduate Studies at Southern Connecticut State University was ASHA vice president for administration (1983–1986) and ASHA president in 1988.
Serving a “Foundational” Role
It’s a familiar scene. The occasion is a meeting of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation’s Board of Trustees. The setting: ASHA’s Seminar B that doubles as a lunch room for meeting members. We are standing in line to grab one of those nutritional lunch boxes before returning to the Board Room for a working lunch session. Over the collegial conversation, I hear a hearty laugh, followed by a challenge, “Well, when I win that bet on Indiana, you’ll be making a nice donation to our Foundation!” Could that be Fred again, making one of his friendly wagers for a great cause?
While this scene is certainly in my bank of fond memories, I should hasten to say that Fred Spahr’s advocacy and ambassadorship on behalf of the Foundation extends well beyond fun wagers. As ASHA executive director, Fred has served as ex officio on the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. He encourages, supports, and actively engages in the business of our philanthropic work, often quietly, but always steadily and with determination. All of us involved with the Foundation have a deep appreciation of Fred’s emotional and financial support. Thank you, Fred, for your stewardship, commitment—and perseverence in soliciting gifts on behalf of the Foundation’s vision.
On a personal note, Fred was a role model who paved the way for my enlightenment and learning. As the years progressed and I moved into a larger leadership role, his insights and perspectives had a defining impact on my decision-making abilities. Thank you, Fred, for your dedication and the inspiration to help us become better leaders.
Fred will long be remembered by our Foundation family for the profound and significant role he has played in the growth of our organization over the years. I’d even wage a bet on that—to benefit the Foundation, of course!
—Nancy J. Minghetti is executive director of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation.
Cool, Calm, and in Control
Over a span of 88 years, she rode the rugged range with Gary Cooper! She defended Spencer Tracy from a blood-seeking-lynch-mob-gone-mad! And she sipped fruit punch with Fred Spahr at a Washington business meeting! Only Fred remained cool, calm, and in control during his encounter with Sylvia Sidney. “Who is Sylvia Sidney?” he later asked....
It was a challenge for anyone to follow Ken Johnson when he resigned in 1980 after 22 years as ASHA’s CEO. Fred was not another Ken Johnson, and some members predicted his service would be short. But the needs of the Association had changed, and Fred’s strengths proved equal to the varied and multiple challenges. Fred became a recognized model for association executives. He was retained as executive director by a generation of ever-changing, always-demanding Executive Board members. How many of us could survive, yet alone thrive, while adjusting to a new boss every year for a quarter of a century?
One of the reasons for Fred’s success has been his ability to adjust to different personalities. He hired and retained people with the needed skills. He provided guidance without interference. He expected, inspired, and rewarded. Varying opinions were welcomed and respected.
…As Sylvia Sidney said in Ladies of the Big House, “You don’t have to agree with me, but show me respect!” Fred always did.
—-Russ Malone, has served as director of the Communications Department, managing editor of Asha magazine, and is the author of The First 75 Years: An Oral History of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (1999).
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