Kevin Kelly
Mike Abrams, Executive Vice President of the Iowa Medical Society
Twenty-one years ago, as a lobbyist for the Indiana State Medical Association, I befriended a guy who lobbied for the Michigan State Medical Association – Kevin Kelly. Like me, Kevin graduated into the state CEO ranks, becoming Executive Vice President of MSMA. I was saddened by the news of his death last Monday.
About a year ago, Kevin went into the hospital to have his thyroid removed. In recovery from that simple procedure, some cardiovascular problems were discovered. He was in and out of the hospital (mostly in) for more than a year, with various infections and complications, until his death at the age of only 52.
Kevin was famous for two adages that he repeated: "The world is run by those who show up," and "Go hard on the issues, easy on the people."
As an association leader, both are pertinent.
People are so very busy in their day-to-day activities that few make time to show up to the meetings and events where important decisions are made. Therefore, those who do show up have disproportionate power over the shape of the world.
And as an organization that prides itself on assertive advocacy, it is important to remember that it is the issue about which we are passionate. And the people who become obstacles in our pursuit of advocacy goals are not dis-honorable – they simply have a different perspective.
In our jobs and communities, we all meet people who influence us. I am proud to have been Kevin's friend, and I'm a better IMS CEO because he influenced me.