Hello Everyone! We have now reached the April legislative break and ARRM staff have some important updates for you.

Staff Highlight: Sue Schettle, CEO
How long have you been the CEO of ARRM?
I came to ARRM in November 2017 so it looks like I've been here for about 18 months. Wow. That went by fast.
What might a typical day look like for you?
I am an early riser so I love being the first person in the office. I get the coffee going, catch up on my emails, and plan my day, which generally changes around mid-morning. Mondays are the best days for me because we meet as a full staff in the morning and talk about all the things we have going on for the week. Everyone is engaged and solution-oriented. We have a good time and try not to take ourselves too seriously but we are dealing with some pretty hefty issues at ARRM. We use this time each Monday to focus on what needs to be done so everyone is marching in the same direction.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
My husband and I are blessed with two healthy humans who are now adults and are truly good people. They both decided to pursue careers in public service (my son is a police officer and my daughter is finishing up nursing school). I am the most proud of who they are. On the professional side of things, I am most proud of my work on the initiative I co-founded called Honoring Choices Minnesota. This initiative encourages people to have end-of-life care conversations so choices can be a little easier for families because they had "the conversation". Through the initiative, I became a published author and received two Emmy Awards. One of the documentaries that led up to my first Emmy Award was coincidentally about people with disabilities. It concerned the unique challenges that come about when members of that population are seeking input into their end-of-life care preferences.
What are some projects you're currently working on?
My first year here was focused on modernizing operations and making the organization more efficient, streamlining workflow and budgets, and strengthening our team and talent for the current and future needs of the ARRM membership. My second year at ARRM will be focused on integrating all of the work we're doing through committees into our strategic plan. Some things clearly fit and align and others don't as much so I'm currently focusing in on that. I'm also working with the staff to advance our legislative priorities, enhancing the ARRM Cares awards program and establishing the revamped one-day Annual Conference to better reflect the interests of members. I'm also working on expanding our membership recruitment and retention plan and membership outreach in general. There is a lot going on and I feel like I am getting pretty good at spinning the plates and keeping things from falling.
What would someone not know about you just by looking at you?
I was once wrongly accused of inciting a food fight in the junior high cafeteria. Although I participated in said food fight, I did not start it. In the same school, I was also the lead singer in a rock band during a talent show competition. It was my one and only time in a band, and sadly, we did not win. Not even close.
What are your post-legislative break goals?
I want to take some time to reflect on what happened and take those lessons learned into the next session. I also want to hit the road and get out and meet with as many of our members as I can. I plan to take a couple of days each month and just get out of the office and be more visible with the broader membership.
If you could only have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Even though my heritage is German, my taste buds think that I am of Asian descent. If I had to choose one meal that I would eat every day, it would be an egg roll over a chilled rice noodle salad currently made best by Que Viet in North East Minneapolis.
Contact Sue: sschettle@arrm.org
Staff Snapshots
Sara Grafstrom, Director of State and Federal Policy
Update: Busy reviewing, analyzing and responding to the Health and Human Services Omnibus bills that have been released. Many of ARRM's legislative priorities are included in the bills as well as some policy proposals ARRM opposes. ARRM has prepared and presented amendments to each of the bills and has provided testimony in front of committee outlining the items of support and opposition we have within each bill.
Post-legislative break goals: Post-break things will begin to move very quickly at the Capitol. Our number one goal is to make sure ARRM's legislative priorities make it to the finish line and we work with legislators to influence the proposals that we have concerns about or oppose.
If you could only have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
White rice and soy sauce.
Contact Sara: sgrafstrom@arrm.org
Drew Henry, Director of Strategic Communications
Update: I'm working hard to set up the groundwork for a public education campaign to launch later this year. It aims to bring attention to the important and valuable work of DSPs and the contributions of home and community-based service organizations as a whole. This will be a big push to increase positive awareness about the field to encourage more supporters of advocacy efforts, as well as support DSP recruitment efforts of ARRM members. If you have worked with any great communications consultants, consider sending them our RFP to help create the campaign concept and strategy. Proposals are due May 9.
Post-legislative break goals: My primary goal for post-legislative break is to keep the pressure on lawmakers to pass legislation to meet ARRM's 2019 policy priorities. First and foremost, short and long-term investments in higher DSP wages and service rates.
If you could only have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Macaroni and cheese.
Contact Drew: dhenry@arrm.org
Ken Bence, Director of Research, Analysis and Policy
Update: I am studying HCBS payment models from other states to develop an understanding of best practices and pitfalls to avoid. We can use this information to advise DHS and legislators if they are looking into value-based payment methods.
Post-legislative break goals: To really dig in and plan ARRM's research agenda for the rest of the year.
If you could only have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I would choose the international favorite known as the buffet (n): a meal at which guests help themselves from a number of dishes and often eat standing up. Variety is the spice of life and a buffet means I don't have to pick one thing!
Contact Ken: kbence@arrm.org
Ashley Wear, Manager of Member Events and Promotions
Update: The ARRM Leadership Institute Workshop in May is SOLD OUT! A few seats have been added for the full series so all hopes of attending isn't lost :)
Post-legislative break goals: Sessions and speakers for Annual Conference will be announced to members. Stay tuned starting next week...
If you could only have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I don't even need a whole meal, just give me potatoes. French fries, tots, hash browns, mashed, baked, chips...all the potatoes!
Contact Ashley: awear@arrm.org
Madeleine Lerner, Grassroots Organizer
Update: The Best Life Alliance North Metro Town Hall is almost at capacity! Make sure you RSVP and meet with your legislators tomorrow! The event begins at 4:30pm at the Rum River Library in Anoka.
Post-legislative break goals: Starting the brainstorming process for summer events with legislators. It's important to keep your elected officials engaged all year round!
If you could only have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A giant New York everything bagel with Swiss cheese, lots of Swiss cheese.
Contact Madeleine: mlerner@arrm.org
Savannah Hanley, Manager of Member Services
Update: I'm currently working on ARRM Cares nominee recognition to showcase our 97 amazing submissions from all across the state. Additionally, I'm updating the new member welcome packet.
Post-legislative break goals: Finalizing the welcome packet and beginning to outline the recruitment and retention strategic plan.
If you could only have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Spaghetti with red sauce, corn on the cob, and croissants.
Contact Savannah: shanley@arrm.org