PresMes
I can hardly believe that I am writing my last President’s Message to you all. As I look outside my window, I see signs of Spring everywhere and thoughts of growth, freshness, and hope come immediately to mind. This last year has been monumental for NAELA, and as my year as President comes to an end, I see Spring as a clear analogy for where NAELA is now.
C. Grace Whiting, JD, has come on board as NAELA’s new executive director. Grace’s bright personality and willingness to jump in and be “hands-on” in the management of NAELA’s operations have been quite a sight to see. Grace has been a pleasure to work with, and each time I talk with her, I feel like she is the breath of fresh air NAELA needs to keep NAELA members and staff engaged with the organization. Shortly after Grace’s on boarding, NAELA had some challenges with staff changes, but as with anything else, change brings about opportunity.
NAELA’s Executive Committee met in March to discuss change readiness and to plan for a new NAELA Board of Directors that will begin their term in June. Not only do we have a new Executive Director, but we also will have a Board of Directors with quite a few new members, as well as existing board members who have embraced the changes brought on by the pandemic, and have kept the Academy running, and meeting primarily online. Having so many new members and key stakeholders is an opportunity to see old obstacles and problems in a whole new way and to come up with creative solutions unsullied by old ways of thinking.
In addition to a new Executive Director, an essentially new Board of Directors, and some new NAELA staff, NAELA has also started down the path to developing a new strategic plan. The strategic plan will be in development over the next year or so. Planning will include reviewing what member benefits NAELA offers, understanding how members’ practices and needs are changing and evolving, and considering how NAELA can differentiate itself as an organization by offering new services to support members. The result will be a guide for staff and board members alike, helping to set the course for future growth for NAELA.
NAELA is truly in a position of growth and in a unique position to look at the organization with a new perspective and with an eye on the future. As I finish my term as President, I believe NAELA is in position to keep all that has made NAELA special and such a fantastic organization, as well as to modernize, change, and engage future generations. It is Springtime at NAELA, and I’m confident that the next generation of NAELA leaders will embrace all that has sprung and will plow ahead with great things.