For me, December is filled with gratitude and appreciation for the privilege to serve as your President for 2013.

A special thanks to the 2013 Board Members for their service and commitment to our work over the last twelve months. I especially want to highlight three board members who will be ending their service this month, Irma Pye, Paul Morlock, and John Ostrom. These board members have volunteered for a total of 50 years in multiple ASHHRA roles. Their contributions have been many, and they will be missed.

As I reflect on this year, I am so proud of all the possibilities we have been able to accomplish due to all the hard work of our volunteers, members and most especially Stephanie Drake and the incredible ASHHRA staff. It was a red letter year with the launch of the CHHR and the fabulous Annual Conference, with record attendance. 

We are all excited and looking forward to 2014 under Maureen O’Keeffe’s leadership as our new president. We will have the opportunity to reflect on ASHHRA’s last 50 years and chart the course for the next fifty.

In January, I invited you to join me on a journey to inclusion for all. As we close out 2013, I want to thank you for joining me on this journey. I am leaving you with one last request...be intentional regarding reaching out to those who are different from you, to step out on nothing to make a difference in someone’s life... doing so has made my life richer for having done so.

Many, many thanks for allowing me to be your President.

All my best to each of you.