How I Got Here: Marc Lassalle

Marc Lassalle didn’t think he would wind up an association executive when he started out as a lifeguard more than 25 years ago. But along the way he learned lessons that made him the leader he is today, including his favorite: “Don’t mistake comfort in a position with success. Challenge yourself beyond that comfort in order to truly achieve success.” Here are highlights from his career journey.

A Working History

1986–1988: Lifeguard for Morale, Welfare, and Recreation program, U.S. Armed Forces

1989–1992: Retail customer service while in college

1993–1998: Customer relations for Chrysler

1998–2004: Customer relations for FedEx

2004–2007: Membership coordinator and chapter liaison for ARMA International

2007–2013: Member services and social media manager at the World Waterpark Association

2013–present: Associate director at the Mechanical Contractors Association of Kansas City

“A great deal can be gained through the skill of listening and observation rather than simply reacting.”

—Mark Lassalle, associate director, Mechanical Contractors Association of Kansas City, Overland Park, Kansas