Potomac Chapter ISPI President's Message for September 2009

In Praise of Past Presidents...

Earlier this month, I started thinking about the illustrious history of our chapter and the dedication—to this day—of our Past Presidents. I wanted to post the history of our chapter and the lists of Past Presidents and Honorary Life Members, including the members or former members who have served as President of our international society. My first thought was of June Fair, who has been the personification of organizational memory for our chapter. I contacted June to ask where I might find this information. To my delight, she had already compiled it and promptly provided it to me. June is a Past President. June also has served the chapter as chair of or volunteer on many committees throughout the years.

In the middle of this month, I heard that Stephanie (nee Andrews) Shipman was interested in volunteering even though she has two children under the age of five and cannot attend our meetings. I contacted Stephanie and asked her to be our new member liaison—for contacting our new members to find out if there are any specific ways we can serve their needs. So, if you get a call from Stephanie, please let her know how we can help you. Stephanie is a Past President. Like June, Stephanie also has served the chapter as chair of or volunteer on many committees throughout the years.

Also this month, Jeff Parks offered to pull together a panel of past presidents to offer strategic guidance to me and the chapter. I told him I might take him up on that as soon as I took care of more pressing operational needs first. Jeff facilitated the development of our strategic plan last year, which soon will be posted on our web site. Jeff is a Past President. Karen Medsker served on that committee and is a Past President.

As I mentioned in my last President's Message, Sarah Ward worked with me during my transition as President. Her organization, Altarum Institute, is hosting our meetings all year, so Sarah has logistical responsibilities to perform for our meetings. She is serving as Program Chair this year and, as I mentioned last month, convinced several of the most renowned leaders of our profession to present to our chapter this year. She just came off a two-year term as President of our chapter because no one else volunteered while simultaneously serving on the Programs committee.

I want to express my gratitude to these wonderful mentors and leaders of our profession for their tireless contributions to our chapter. Thank you, Past Presidents!