National SAA Past President Interview: Andrea Green, AuD

Celebrating 15 Years of National SAA!

Over the past decade and a half, the national Student Academy of Audiology (SAA) has accomplished so much as an organization, building a strong foundation for the future of the audiology profession. The success and growth of national SAA is contributed to largely in part to the vision and leadership of its past presidents. To honor and reflect on their hard work, the national SAA communications committee conducted an interview series with several national SAA past presidents.

The first interview is with Andrea Green (she/her) who earned her AuD at Vanderbilt University. Dr. Green served as national SAA president between 2011-2013.

Why did you originally join national SAA?

As an undergraduate student at the University of Oklahoma, I was very involved in several extracurricular activities and leadership roles. When I started graduate school, I found it more difficult to get involved in activities on campus. So, I signed up for both national SAA as well as my local SAA to be able to contribute to our profession outside of my academic program.

How long did you serve on the national SAA Board of Directors or as a volunteer for national SAA?

I served four years total; I was the SAA Programs Chair for convention for one year, served as national president for two years, and then served as past president for one year.

What is the most valuable lesson you learned from being a member of national SAA?

I learned the value of getting to know your “audiology neighbors” in this field. In national SAA, you have the opportunity to work with fellow students and audiology leaders from all across the country. Many of these connections helped me get my first job, invited me to speak at a conference, or encouraged me to take a leadership role in the future. Getting plugged into our incredible audiology community taught me to always take advantage of getting to know your “audiology neighbor,” and I still maintain many of these friendships and relationships to this day!

What is your favorite memory from your term as national SAA President?

Oh my goodness, this is a tough one. Whether it was envisioning and launching our first “Cheers for Ears” fundraiser, getting to meet so many engaged students at the annual SAA meeting, or the sheer sense of accomplishment/exhaustion at the end of convention, it was all so memorable. A very close second—it was such a joy to represent SAA at the Special Olympics Winter World Games in PyeongChang, South Korea, and got to meet amazing athletes from all over the world!

Where are you working now?

I am currently working as an account manager at Phonak and have so enjoyed getting to know all the providers in Tennessee! Prior to my current role, I worked in the university medical center setting for nine years seeing patients of all ages.

In what ways did being involved in national SAA influence your career?

Being involved in national SAA helped connect me to many audiologists that have been so impactful to my career trajectory. I was able to meet many Academy leaders who mentored me and always encouraged me to “think big.” I was able to use many of the skills that I learned in national SAA to volunteer on future nonprofit Boards, state organizations, and in my current role at Phonak. As a result, I am still very passionate about mentoring and passing along these same values to current students.

Are you currently involved with the American Academy of Audiology?

Yes, I have been involved in many different committees as an Academy member! Upon graduation, I signed up as a volunteer with interests in several different committees and have continued to be involved over the years.

What’s one piece of advice you would like to share with current students?

First, get connected with national SAA! Even if you just want to dip your toe in as a committee member, your contributions are so far-reaching, and it’s amazing to get to know AuD students from across the country. Second, network, network, network! There are so many professionals who are passionate about students and watching you succeed. I would encourage you to find your own personal “Board of Directors” to help mentor you as a student/new professional and guide you through this exciting time. 

This interview was completed by Eliana Dachman, a third-year audiology student at the CUNY Graduate Center in New York, New York. Eliana is a member of the national SAA communications committee.