Getting to know NACM President Steve Shivak, CAE 

This week marks the start of Steve Shivak, CAE, as president of NACM National, succeeding Robin Schauseil. Shivak joins NACM with decades of experience leading national and global professional organizations, most recently serving as the CEO of the International Society of Explosives Engineers.  

Shivak’s vast experience working with associations coupled with his passion for education, professional development and innovation has primed him to lead NACM into the future. Ahead of his first week, Shivak sat down with us and shared what brought him to NACM and where he hopes to take the organization moving forward.  

What about NACM interested you? I love learning and I’m a big believer in education. In my personal life, I’ve pursued multiple degrees and certifications. I see a lot of value in what NACM provides for the credit community, whether that is through certification courses, webinars or articles. NACM has a real business impact on its members. Credit professionals safeguard cash flow, manage risk and enable growth, and NACM’s work ensures that they are broadly recognized within their companies and beyond. NACM has the scale, the reputation and the mission, and I am excited to see how we can expand even further moving forward.  

Why are associations like NACM important to professionals? Associations are not biased. They’re representing an industry, whether they’re supporting a professional in the field, a stakeholder or an elected official. Everyone in the industry knows that an association is a trusted environment where knowledge, relationships and professional development can thrive through collaboration. Associations are not successful if they sit back, they must constantly change and adapt. By continuously evolving, associations remain even more valuable to individuals, regardless of whether they’re at the beginning of their career, or they’ve been working in the industry for decades. 

What is the value of continued education and certification? Certification shows mastery, credibility and dedication. Education shows a commitment to continuous improvement of yourself. The more you know, the more mastery you demonstrate in the subject area, the more it tells your current employer and the marketplace that you bring validated expertise, experience and knowledge on best practices to the table.  

How can a national network serve professionals? A national network gives you access to a community of trusted advisors. You can pick up the phone or send an email, and they will help you with a question. A professional network expands your perspective and accelerates your learning. It creates more opportunities for mentorship, not only for you to find somebody to mentor you, but as you grow, a chance to provide mentorship for the individuals who are where you were years ago.  

What would you say is the value of in-person meetings? Whether it is a small regional reception with just one speaker or a larger event like Credit Congress, in-person meetings offer opportunities to create connections, hear different points of view and learn. You’re able to discover new solutions by sitting in on technology sessions or walking the exhibit hall and seeing new products and services that are out there. You’re building relationships. You’re reconnecting with old friends and meeting new friends. 

What is your vision for NACM moving forward? NACM is the career-long partner for every credit professional, regardless of where they are in their careers. NACM serves professionals by delivering the education, certifications, relationships and tools they need to succeed. As president, I want to further position NACM as the go-to resource for credit professionals and as the place where credit innovation happens.