Volunteers Leaders in PDI-POAPDI-POA is an entirely volunteer-led professional membership association. Without the dedication of our volunteers, particularly those who have stepped up to take leadership roles in the association, PDI-POA would not be able to deliver the high quality educational, networking, and professional development programming that our members expect. In addition to our volunteer Board of Directors, PDI-POA members take on leadership roles across our committees to deliver educational programs as well as opportunities for members and friends of PDI-POA to get to know one another, learn more about protocol, and develop connections with others in the field. Meet our Volunteer Leaders!
More Information About our Volunteer LeadersEric L. DickenProtocol Prose Book Club ChairEric L. Dicken manages the Protocol Prose Book Club. During his career, he has orchestrated hundreds of ceremonies and events for universities, nonprofits, and cultural arts organizations. Eric believes his best work is imbued with creativity, which appears through designing memorable experiences, selecting meaningful gifts, and fostering new connections among partners. A storyteller at heart, Eric derives great joy in shaping the narrative arc of events and how they affect all those involved.
Katelyn Wilcox SurmannVirtual Programming ChairKatelyn Wilcox Surmann assumed the role of Assistant Chief of Protocol for the State of Michigan in 2016 and currently serves as the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) Board Liaison for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. In this position, Katelyn handles a variety of protocol and international business issues for the State of Michigan. The Protocol office is the primary point of contact with the diplomatic community both in Michigan and worldwide and is responsible for addressing the needs and concerns, diplomatic or otherwise, of this group. Katelyn’s responsibilities entail planning foreign trips for the Governor and other state officials and assisting with arrangements for visits by heads of state and other dignitaries when state government is involved. Katelyn serves as a resource for protocol, international and cultural issues and interacts with legislators, department directors, top corporate and industry executives, U.S. and foreign leaders as well as university and local government officials on a regular basis. Katelyn has over fourteen years of legislative experience, specializing in international affairs since 2014. She holds a B.A. in French and a B.A. in Finance with a Specialization in International Business from Michigan State University. |
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