Dear NYSAE Community,

Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined that I’d be sitting here writing to you from my office, NYSAE’s brand new headquarters, 30 years after my employer, Kellen, encouraged me to join NYSAE as a young professional. What a year. NYSAE celebrated its 100th anniversary and simultaneously made a major move to the east side under Kellen’s management.

The past two months have been dedicated to this transition. It has been fun, invigorating, valuable, educational and rewarding.  In July, The Kartrite Resort & Waterpark in Monticello generously hosted a wonderful Board and Committee Retreat which was the perfect backdrop for NYSAE to launch its new strategic plan. The first year of this plan will focus on these four strategic objective themes:

1.       Engagement:

a.       Collaborate with similar organizations

b.       Focus on and grow the primary stakeholder -- the CEOs and member-based organizations

c.       Reach out and engage broader audiences including young professionals and students

2.       Best Practices:

a.       Invest in technology to streamline and support data and trends

b.       Review bylaws for good governance

c.       Improve our processes and operational efficiencies

3.       Financial Stability:

a.       Review our program ROI

b.       Audit the fee structures and diversify revenue streams

4.       Value Proposition:

a.       Improve NYSAE’s image, credibility and quality of deliverables

b.       Reposition NYSAE as a thought leader and resource for the industry (knowledge and support)

Thank you to all of our NYSAE members for your continued dedication and support throughout these years, especially those who have volunteered as we take NYSAE to the next level. I’ve already received a lot of feedback from many current and former members, and I greatly appreciate the calls, emails, guidance and innovative ideas. NYSAE has been my educational resource, my place to hone my leadership skills, and ultimately my home. Through it all, each of you, our members, are the “secret ingredient” that make it all happen. As we are all faced with the ever-changing landscape and challenges that come with working in association management, please know that NYSAE is here to support you and your team. Now is the time to shape NYSAE into an organization for its members, and we encourage your involvement.

I feel humbled and honored for this opportunity to serve as your new CEO. NYSAE is your organization, and together, we can do this. Please contact me with your concerns, questions or ideas.

 

Warm Regards,

Holly J. Koenig | CEO