Almost 10 years ago I found myself on the founding Board of NATSAP and in less than 6 years as its Executive Director. I could spend hours talking about those early years and all of the hard work, relationships and commitment that it took to build this organization.
When John Santa and I took the helm of NATSAP, it had barely reached early adolescence. I believe that, as a team, we created a more professional, organized and successful association.
In the last year, NATSAP's course has changed dramatically. I recognize that it is time to seek a leader with qualities and skills beyond my own that can guide the organization through the challenges of the next few years. To that end, I have advised the Board of my intention to retire in early 2009.
I will always be grateful for the opportunity to once again be a part of a founding group of a dynamic and dedicated group of individuals. I have made many friends and have been able to travel to places that very few professionals get to visit. After all, how many go to Kennebunkport, Maine or Whitefish, Montana on business?
I want to extend my gratitude to Alicia, who has helped make our national and regional conferences so extremely successful. Her creativity is displayed in our conference brochures, registration packets and directory. Her organization skills have made everything run seamlessly. I could not have done this job without her.
Peg's addition to the staff has taken many burdens from our shoulders and I thank her for her dedication to us.
And finally, but definitely not least, I want to thank Rosemary Tippett for standing by my side through the storm, for taking on more than any part-time employee should ever consider and for being my friend.
There is one path that I sincerely hope NATSAP continues and that is to stay the course with its commitment to education tracks for this profession. To paraphrase a quote from John F. Kennedy "Let us think of education as the means of developing our greatest abilities, because in each of us there is a private hope and dream which, fulfilled, can be translated into benefit for everyone and greater strength for our profession."
Thank you for your support. It has been an honor to serve you.