Volunteer of the Quarter: Jodie Ciccarello

Congratulations to our Q4 Volunteer of the Quarter – Jodie Ciccarello! Jodie currently serves AMA Tampa Bay as Director of Retention. She has been a part of AMA Tampa Bay for two years (one year as a member only and one year as a member volunteer) in which she has made a lasting impact on the chapter. Check out the Q&A below to learn more about Jodie and all of the great things she is up to with AMA.

How did you originally get involved with the AMA and what was your path to joining as a volunteer?

I recognized that I had networking communities within my industry of occupational safety, but no real connections within the marketing trade. Jumping in with two feet is kind of my nature, and I knew that if I were going to be accountable for my membership and what I got out of it, that I needed to get involved. I joined and asked to volunteer at the same time.

What is your favorite part about being a volunteer with the AMA Tampa Bay?

Definitely the continuing education opportunities. Workshops and keynotes have been very beneficial to me beyond reading the traditional online articles. You get to interact with other professionals, ask questions, participate in discussions, and think out of the box. Having that commaraderie of like mindedness has been a welcomed experience.

What have you learned from being a part of the AMA?

I’ve learned that this is indeed a supportive community and I’ve been made to feel valuable right from the start.  Having the reassurance that I can ask for professional feedback and knowing that there are others who genuinely want you to succeed, that is a great feeling of belonging.

What has been your favorite AMA event to date?

I loved attending my first MOY event. Of course not going to lie, it was really great to have one of our marketing campaigns nominated for the B2B category too. The anticipation of the evening and the excitement in the room was so much fun. It was an honor to be included with such vast marketing talent. Looking forward to the next one!

What do you do in your day job?

I am the Marketing Manager for Safety Products Inc and proud to say I have been with the company for 25 years! We provide occupational safety products and solutions that prevent injuries and save lives at work. I manage a team of 3 for the development and execution of our company’s marketing. We are involved with every aspect of reaching our existing and potential audience for product sales, end-user training, continuing education, and safety resources. My team manages our web content, social outlets, company blog, and is responsible for the development of print media, email campaigns, video, and events.  I’m a member of our corporate Leadership Team and a Co-Director for the West Central Florida Safety Alliance.

If you didn’t work in marketing, what kind of work do you think you would do?

I could see myself being a corporate event planner. The opportuity to create meaningful and memorable events is very appealing to me. I love organizing and details… all of the things that might stress others out are what keep me motivated.

What is a little-known fact about you that AMA members may not know?

This past year I have started doing geneaology and building my family tree.  I can date some lines back to the 1500s. Interestingly though I’ve found some crimes committed, odd deaths, and solved a long-time family mystery. Oh, and I come from the McCoy family so if you are a Hatfield please let me know, LOL! It’s been lots of fun and has definitely opened up a new interest for me and a respect for history and heritage I didn’t know existed.