Atkins walks listeners through his HETMA origin story, his evolution from a university AV tech to an administrative leader, and the behind-the-scenes work it takes to run a financially responsible, volunteer-led national organization. From tax filings and credit card systems to the values that underpin budget decisions, Atkins opens up about how his structured mindset has helped shape HETMA’s operational maturity. For anyone curious how an advocacy group like HETMA actually works—or thinking about how they can contribute—this one’s a must-listen.
Topics Discussed:
- Atkins’s 13-year journey at Texas State University
- The AV profile and internal integration model at TXST
- HETMA’s early days and Atkins’s first exposure to the organization
- The path to becoming HETMA Treasurer and what the role entails
- Balancing structure and ambiguity in a volunteer-run organization
- Maturing processes: CPA support, credit cards, and reimbursements
- Financial transparency and sponsor accountability
- Moving toward self-sustaining event models
- Succession planning and setting the next treasurer up for success
- The alignment of HETMA’s financial practices with its core values
Guest Contact Info:
- Email (HETMA): treasurer@hetma.org
- Email (Texas State): atkins@txstate.edu
Host Contact Info:
- Ryan Gray (LinkedIn): linkedin.com/in/ryanagray
- Email: ryan@higheredav.com
Show Links:
- Higher Ed AV: higheredav.com
Voiceover Credit: Chris Dechter
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