Celtic Spotlight: Emily Culella, Director of Associations

Emily Culella is the Director of Associations at Celtic and leads her team to build strength and creativity within this industry. Emily ensures smooth execution of programs, initiatives, and member services during her day-to-day. Partnering closely with boards of directors helps her achieve strategic support, communication progress, and organizational goals. By overseeing daily operations, she builds a connection that takes association’s missions to the next level.

Emily’s passion for supporting other’s dreams drives her to make the world a better place whether it’s helping your business or by bringing a smile to the room. She brings so much to the table and for that reason (and much more) we got to know Emily a little better.  

Q: What brought you to Celtic Associations?

A: I was really excited about the vibe of growth here at Celtic. Not only on our associations side, but a paradigm of growth for our clients as well. The team is constantly thinking of new ways to promote and grow associations. It’s inspiring.

Q: What are you most excited about in your new position?

A: I have loved meeting the boards of the associations. They are niche and cool, with passionate people who are interested in making the world a better place. It’s so great to be in a place where I get to support those dreams. They like each other and have spent so long together (in many cases) it’s like walking into a large extended family—with lots of inside jokes.

Q: What drew you to a career in associations?

A: I really like people and customer service. A happy client is my favorite thing. I see a lot of people, in this business, working hard on their weekends and spending their own money to promote the unique message of their associations. It’s moving when you see the incredible time and energy people give to these groups, it makes you want to do well for them and help them grow.

Q: What advice would you give to a rising associations star?

A: Pay attention to your board. Listen to what they are saying and how. They know their field and the people in it and they are your best resource. They’ll also tell you the best way to grow—if you pay attention.

Q: Can you describe what you do in just 5 words?

A: Connect people to each other.

Q: You were just gifted the Delorean, where are you going?

A: This is very dorky, but I would love to see the mega-fauna that used to live in North America, pre-humanity. Short-faced bears, Dire wolves, Giant armadillos—and then I would like to get right back into the Delorean and sleep in my own bed.

Q: Who or what inspires you the most to be the best version of you?

A: My kids are a great inspiration, because they are always watching. They know me very well and have pointed out things to me (good and bad) ha! Kids are a wild look at the world around you—perennially honest and sometimes wise. It helps that both of my kids are hilarious, so their judgements are funny even when they skewer me.

Q: What is something you are looking forward to (career-wise, hobby, entertainment, etc.)?

A: As a Midwesterner, I love each and every change of season. I’m a big walker and I love being outside—the changing of the seasons means that the woods are always different. It’s very great to live in a region where each season changes so drastically. I may take the same walk for 5 months, but it will be different daily.        

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?

A: One of the things that attracted me to Celtic was that Celts stay Celts. I feel like my future is green, for sure.

Q: If you got to sit down at the dinner table with three people, past or present, who would they be?

A: I would love to eat dinner with Edith Wharton, Jane Austen, and Levar Burton. The first two are writers whom I love. They both lived inside societies that they were intimately familiar with and also critical of! Levar Burton has excellent taste in stories and books. Aside from his illustrious past as a children’s book promoter and actor, Burton has incredible insight into today’s essential short stories and authors. Huge fan!  

Q: If you were stranded on a desert island, what would your three essentials be?

A: A library, a sleep mask, and a lifetime supply of Pellegrino.