Crafting connections that reflect the FWA’s mission, vision and values
When Jason Dodd was looking for new learning and networking opportunities back in 2009, he joined the FWA through the Men’s Alliance. Being an experienced marketer, he was asked to co-chair the Marketing & Strategic Committee and later became the chair and an FWA board member.
In a Q&A session with Sherree DeCovny, the Committee’s co-chair, Jason talks about how he’s leveraged his professional background to create and execute a marketing plan that reflects the FWA’s mission, vision and values.
Sherree: What’s your professional background?
Jason: I’ve built a career spanning media, financial services and biotech with a focus on marketing and strategic communications. I’ve collaborated with family wealth advisors, business leaders and organizations focused to drive sustainable financial growth.
My first agency, H2O, specialized in visual communications. While there, I found myself drawn to strategy, ultimately pivoting my career toward marketing leadership. Today, I lead TW Agency, a marketing firm focused in the biotechnology markets, while contributing to the FWA’s mission through the Marketing & Strategic Communications Committee.
Sherree: Tell us about the Marketing & Strategic Communications Committee and how you benefit from leading it.
Jason: Our committee is dedicated to crafting messages that not only reflect the FWA’s mission but also engage our members and the wider industry. We aim to highlight the value of FWA membership and foster a stronger, more connected community. We’re currently focused on a variety of membership initiatives and event promotion, all aimed at enhancing communication channels and member engagement.
I want our committee to drive awareness, deepen member engagement, and effectively showcase the resources and opportunities within the FWA. To achieve this, we’re developing strategic content, enhancing our digital presence and exploring new ways to share success stories and member contributions, such as these member profiles. We’re also working to create more touchpoints where members can connect and benefit from shared insights.
Leading this committee allows me to directly support the FWA’s growth. It’s rewarding to see the impact of our efforts and collaborate with such dedicated members.
Sherree: How has the FWA changed since you joined?
Jason: The organization has transformed significantly. Our membership is now multi-generational, including professionals in their twenties and retirees in leadership roles. This diversity has made the FWA much more dynamic.
Operationally, we’ve professionalized our structure, adding systems and staff to streamline operations. These changes position us for long-term success, allowing the board and committees to focus on strategic growth.
Everybody has their own window into the FWA and how it has changed. The most significant, from my perspective, has been this internal restructuring that positions the organization for the future. Our educational programs have grown tremendously. We have relationships with more schools, and we have more mentors and scholarship dollars available.
Additionally, our educational programs have expanded, with more partnerships, mentors and scholarship opportunities, reflecting the FWA’s deepened impact.
Sherree: What was the most rewarding experience you’ve had at the FWA?
Jason: One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned at the FWA is how women approach networking—focusing on collaboration, idea exchange and fellowship rather than transactional goals. This insight has shaped how I build relationships in my career, particularly in biotech and life sciences.
Networking for me is now about the long-term – investing in relationships and nurturing them through ups and downs. This mindset has been incredibly rewarding, both professionally and personally.
Sherree: How would you like to see the FWA evolve in the future?
Jason: I’d love to see the FWA continue expanding its influence, offering more interactive events, online resources and collaborations with industry leaders. I also envision more opportunities for members to actively shape the organization’s future while growing both personally and professionally.
Sherree: What should people do to get the most out of their FWA membership?
Jason: I joined the FWA recognizing it as an incredible platform for connecting with industry peers and thought leaders. I saw it as an opportunity to both give and gain – sharing my expertise while learning from the extensive collective knowledge within the organization.
My advice to members is engage as much as possible. Attend events, join committees and connect with other members to maximize the resources and insights available through FWA. Being active and sharing your unique expertise not only enriches your own experience but strengthens our entire community.
Enhance your FWA involvement today!
