Scott T. Ellis
MSAE role: Immediate Past Chair
1st Year of Involvement in MSAE: 2012
Professional role: Executive Director
Employer: Michigan Licensed Beverage Association
Years in Current Position: 12
In-office, hybrid or remote: In-office
MSAE: Tell us about your family, pets, and where you call home.
SE: I have been married for 17 years to Erin Ellis. We have two excellent boys Evan (16) and Kasey (15). They both attend Lansing Catholic High School. We have two dogs (well we have one and Erin has one). LOL We live in the Mason area.
SE: Lately I have become a fan of going out to golf for my relaxation. I enjoy cooking and entertaining when possible. My wife likes to go out and be with friends. I am a die-hard Wolverine and Lions fan. We love to watch sports. I love to get out in the woods to hunt when possible. We like to travel as a family as well. I do like to read occasionally but time can be limited.
SE: I was completely new to the association world. After spending 20 years in law enforcement, I entered the association world as ED of Michigan Licensed Beverage Association. I knew enough to know that I had never run an association and I needed to learn and network with others in the the industry. It was the best decision I made.
SE: I was on a panel that was recommending future board members. In the room, someone asked why I had not put in to be on the board. I felt that I was too new. After discussion, I was nominated. After the discussion, I realized I could help MSAE, but at the same time, I was going to learn even more, by working with the leaders.
SE: Do it!!! For several reasons. I have made so many friends and contacts since joining MSAE. Everyone is just a phone call or e-mail away for assistance. At every meeting, I get to learn something new about other associations. Also, if you are in the association world you should understand the value of associations. Why would any association not be a
member of the "association for associations? "I belong to many groups related to my position and I feel MSAE has given me the best return on my investment
SE: I truly love working for my members. My members are small business owners, many in the family for years. When I left law enforcement, I still needed a sense of purpose. Fighting for my members gives me that purpose. Owning a business is a lot of work, and they don't have time to be their own advocates, so my staff advocates for them. It is extremely rewarding. As you can imagine during COVID-19, the hospitality industry was crushed, but we were able to fight for them and keep them alive. This was by far the most challenging and rewarding time of my career.
SE: I am on the fundraising committee for Michigan Children's Trust. This organization raises millions of dollars for children in Michigan. Once again, it gives me purpose. I also work in the school safety area. I work with a couple of leaders in the school safety industry. We are facing dangerous times, and being able to help protect our children means the world to me.
SE: This isn't easy. I feel that I am a very passionate person and when I get involved in something, I am all in. MSAE is very important to me and the work we do is important to all in the state of Michigan. I will continue to fight for the Hospitality Industry and make our schools safer for our children. This gives me a lot of satisfaction.