I’ve been lucky to work with the New Jersey Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association (NJFMBA) for more than a decade. Up and down the state, in firehouses from Paterson to Atlantic City, getting a firsthand view of the incredible commitment of the men and women who serve as firefighters, EMTs, and dispatchers.
Their jobs are about so much more than fighting fires, not that doing that isn’t enough. I’ve watched them work behind grills at community barbecues, host blood drives, escort Santa Claus through neighborhoods, and, more than once, make a young child’s day by stopping at their lemonade stand.
From the union side, I’ve watched in awe as they’ve enacted some of the momentous legislation in recent memory, impacted elections, facilitated the reorganization of departments to better protect their communities, and so much more. Hopefully, they’ll agree that Lenox Consulting has helped in at least some small way along the way.
At the head of all this has been Eddie Donnelly, President of the NJFMBA since 2013.
I’m incredibly proud to have worked alongside Eddie and supported his efforts to grow the NJFMBA in membership, political clout, and legislative accomplishments. But I’m equally grateful for the lessons in leadership I’ve learned simply by watching him do his job.
Three lessons stand out: planning, listening, and execution.
Eddie always has a plan, a clear direction for where he wants to take the union. Whether it’s entering the political arena with an endorsement, advancing legislation affecting member health, safety and working conditions, or finding new ways to support the communities they serve, Eddie knows where the union is going to be.
He also understands the importance of listening. Eddie is always willing to hear different perspectives, consider all sides, and take in what others had to say. That doesn’t mean you can always change his mind, but it means that decisions are made with an understanding of the perspectives around him. He listens, absorbs the information and, when necessary, adjusts his approach without losing sight of the principles or goals he is working to achieve.
Then there is the execution. Once a plan is in place Eddie sets to work. I have seen him make what seemed impossible possible.
And perhaps the most important leadership lesson came with the announcement he made earlier this week at the FMBA’s 130th annual convention.
Sometimes, knowing how to lead is also knowing when to leave.
Eddie is choosing to step away at a time when he has earned tremendous respect and could certainly continue in the role. Instead, he is making room for the next chapter of the NJFMBA and for its next generation of leadership.
While I am excited to work alongside the new leadership of this amazing union, I’m grateful for more than a decade of working with Eddie… and for the many lessons along the way.
Congratulations, Eddie, on an extraordinary chapter. And thank you.
