Katie McFadden has held the position of Director of Membership Services
for eleven years, managing, recruiting and supporting the 935 volunteer members
of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association. She has conducted workshops on volunteer
management at two IFEA (International Festival and Event Association)
conventions and has a CFEE (Certified Festival and Event Executive)
certification from IFEA. Prior to the Tournament of Roses, Katie spent nine
years coordinating and managing volunteers for a faith-based organization. Katie has a Bachelor’s Degree in Theater from
the University of Illinois. Her own volunteer activities include home-building
projects in Tijuana and participating in community musical ensembles.
In this episode, Katie speaks at length about the unique and crucial roles
played by volunteers to put on the Parade year after year. She talks about the “membership”
model and how it has worked for the Parade for decades. This episode is a
fascinating lesson in how to maximize the talents and enthusiasm of volunteers
for the benefit of any organization!