LEADING QRCA BY FOLLOWING THE “ECHO PRINCIPLE”
As I write this, I’m coming to the end of my year as QRCA President—and what a year it’s been! We launched a new mentorship program. We hosted two dynamic conferences that captured the spirit of our field and our community. We refreshed our branding and positioning. We completed the transition to a new association management company that better aligns with our structure and goals. We tackled the vital work of helping members understand how artificial intelligence is changing our field, while reaffirming the continued value of what qualitative researchers uniquely bring to the table.
I’m proud of these milestones, but even more, I’m proud of the people behind them. Time and again this year, QRCA members stepped up with energy, talent, and generosity. Whatever the moment required—figuring out a crisis, solving a puzzle, or building something new—this community showed up.
I came to appreciate what I think of as “the echo principle:” leading an organization like QRCA means carrying the same core messages into different rooms, at different times, for different people. You’re not just repeating yourself—you’re translating the mission to fit the moment. The message only sticks—and change only happens—when you’re willing to echo the vision wherever it needs to land.
I think of my own role mostly as that of a conductor, positioning other people’s talents, helping shape tempo and tone, and keeping the larger harmony in mind. That’s not hard to do when you’re working with a team as capable and committed as this one.
If you’ve ever thought about getting more involved in QRCA, now is the time. This is an organization where your voice matters and your contributions have an impact. You’ll learn, grow, and connect—and you’ll have a great time doing it.
Looking ahead, I’m excited about where QRCA is going next. We’re being thoughtful about new programs we add and how we add them. We’re finding the balance between focused execution and future-facing exploration. Most of all, we’re continuing to build an organization that brings qualitative professionals together to learn, lead, and thrive.
To my fellow board members—Lisa Horwich, Maria Virobik, Elizabeth McKinley, Cynthia Tello, Catherine Dine, Martha Hayward, Bob Taylor, and Nichola Quail—thank you for your leadership, partnership, and trust. To our incredible conference chairs—Chris Hauck, Kristin Ameruoso, Pam Goldfarb-Liss, Dave Kaye, Cher Chislett, and Carey Rellis, and our professional development chairs Pam Rekow and Fiona Ray—thank you for bringing our community together in ways that truly reflect who we are.
This has been a meaningful chapter—and the best pages are still to come. Thank you for the opportunity to serve.
Sincerely,
Jeff Hecker
