John Sekel
Associate Vice President, Finance, Association Solutions
1. What do you do at MCI?
I am the AVP of the finance team for the Association Solutions division, so I oversee all of the financial aspects of our associations and manage the ten finance professionals who work with the various associations. We produce clients’ financial statements and also manage the bigger-picture finance pieces, such as audits, tax filings, and the budgeting process.
I have been in this role since November 2021 and I’m very happy to be here. The flexibility to work from home and be able to be with my daughter more, as well as work with the amazing people we have here at MCI have been real highlights. Everyone I have dealt with here has been very knowledgeable and always willing to lend an extra hand.
2. Why do you like working at MCI?
I think people assume, especially those in client-facing roles, that the finance team always has the answers and all the information, but a lot of times we are reliant on the client-facing employees to give us the intel on key events and other things that are happening within their associations.
We’re not as plugged in on the day-to-day happenings as the other teams are, so a lot of times, we aren’t getting information until weeks later. We are always happy to assist, and it’s very rewarding to jump in, but we have to have all of the information in order to do that.
3. Why do you enjoy working in finance?
I’m a very logical person. I like that in finance and accounting, there’s not a grey area, there is always a right answer. It’s very fulfilling to me to be able to solve problems and find those answers.
There are also a lot of great people in the finance field, and I enjoy getting to help those who aren’t as familiar with finances. It’s very rewarding to work with executive directors and help them solve their problems.
4. What are your summer vacation plans?
My family is going to Ocean City, NJ, in a few weeks and I’m really look forward to that! I’ve been going since I was a kid, and now I get to bring my own daughter, which is awesome. We’re going with my parents and my siblings, so it’s a great family tradition, which has been going on for more than sixty years, since my mom herself was a child!
It’s the only real summer vacation spot I’ve ever known. We mostly like to just relax together and enjoy the beach while we’re there. There’s also a great, kid-friendly boardwalk and a lot of bike trails. It’s something I look forward to every year.
5. What else do you do for fun outside of work?
Lately, it’s mostly just being a dad to my 17-month-old daughter, which is great! All of my free time goes to hanging out with her.
I also try to stay active, so I work out and ride the Peloton or go outside if the weather cooperates. I love all of the Philly sports team, especially the Eagles and the Phillies, and I went to UCONN so I’m a big-time Huskies fan. I was just at the big east tournament a few months ago, which was awesome to attend with NYC opening up their COVID restrictions.
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