Brighter Days Ahead

It is the holiday season. Yes, we have made it to the end of another challenging year. As festive decorations and lights begin to pepper our neighborhoods, it is a reminder that despite all we have been through, this last month of the year is one of joy, light, celebration, and thanks. So many different holidays are celebrated now. This year, we will tentatively welcome back our friends and extended families for dinners and parties. When we remember where we were last year, the holiday lights shine a little brighter.

Thanks to the energy and creativity of our volunteers, leadership and staff, NYSAE has persevered during COVID Year 2. We have recognized extraordinary talent through our Synergy Awards. We have renewed our connections with the return of Meet New York in September. We have created a Social and Racial Justice Council to move our organization and our profession forward in addressing diversity, equity and inclusion. We have helped each other survive and thrive in rebuilding our organizations through formal education sessions and informal virtual networking. We have helped each other find new jobs and hire new staff. We are working diligently to recruit new members into our community and to build value for the ones we have. These have all been vivid sparks of light through the dark pandemic days.

So much has happened in our world, our country, our state and our city. We will all face many impending issues over the next few months including what return to work schedules, real estate leases and office space will look like; how the great resignation will continue its impact on our workforce; and how the generational turnover of association CEOs will lead to new opportunities and new talent. As associations we will be forced to adapt. NYSAE will be here to facilitate the discussions, provide resources and share perspective.

As we move through December, we have real hope that 2022 will be brighter, that we will be able to re-enter the different arenas we thrived in pre-COVID as we ran our associations — having lunch with colleagues, meeting new vendors and suppliers, welcoming our members back for in-person meetings and recharging with much needed vacation trips.

NYSAE leadership and staff have done amazing things during the past two years to hold our community together. We hope we got most of it right on your behalf. Thank you for your faith in us and for the hundreds of volunteer hours you have donated. Thank you to those of you who may have attended an education session or one of our showcase events. Each of you contributes to the dialogue that makes us stronger as an organization.

And remember, in just a few weeks, we see the hours of daylight begin to increase ever so slightly. That has always been a sign of hope and renewal as the seasons shift yet again.

Wishing you all a happy and healthy holiday season. Let’s all hope for a far better and brighter 2022. I look forward to seeing you live and in person at NYSAE events next year. Stay safe.

Joanne S. Barry, CAE
CEO/Executive Director, New York State Society of CPAs