115: Building Structure That Can Be Replicated with Atkins Fleming

Recorded live at the HETMA Chicago Roadshow on the campus of Northwestern University, this episode features a candid and insightful conversation with Atkins Fleming, Assistant Director for Learning Spaces at Texas State University and current Treasurer of HETMA. Ryan finally manages to sit down with Atkins after years of crossing paths, and the result is a conversation full of heart, structure, and purpose.Atkins walks listeners through his HETMA origin story, his evolution from a university AV tech to an administrative leader, and the behind-the-scenes work it takes to run a financially responsible, volunteer-led national organization. From tax filings and credit card systems to the values that underpin budget decisions, Atkins opens up about how his structured mindset has helped shape HETMA’s operational maturity. For anyone curious how an advocacy group like HETMA actually works—or thinking about how they can contribute—this one’s a must-listen.Topics Discussed:Atkins’s 13-year journey at Texas State UniversityThe AV profile and internal integration model at TXSTHETMA’s early days and Atkins’s first exposure to the organizationThe path to becoming HETMA Treasurer and what the role entailsBalancing structure and ambiguity in a volunteer-run organizationMaturing processes: CPA support, credit cards, and reimbursementsFinancial transparency and sponsor accountabilityMoving toward self-sustaining event modelsSuccession planning and setting the next treasurer up for successThe alignment of HETMA’s financial practices with its core valuesGuest Contact Info:Email (HETMA): [email protected] (Texas State): [email protected] Contact Info:Ryan Gray (LinkedIn): linkedin.com/in/ryanagrayEmail: [email protected] Links:Higher Ed AV: higheredav.comVoiceover Credit: Chris DechterFeedback Welcome:If you’re enjoying the AV/IT Amplifier, consider rating and reviewing the show on your favorite podcast platform. You can also leave a comment or send us a message—we’d love to hear your feedback and ideas for future guests.