Bravo members! Over the past year, you've stepped up to new challenges, embraced new ideas and developed fresh skills, making the most of trying times. You have helped to make the NYSAE community a rich and vibrant one. I value your support and participation! Welcome, too, to our new members. As we approach the end of the member year (June 30th) and renewal time, I’m proud to recap some highlights of the past year.

Serving You, Our Members

• We've held nearly 50 programs, all virtual, on a range of topics. Guided by top experts in their fields, these programs have given you and your peers a forum  to share ideas and tips to help grow your careers and organizations. They have included:
• Associations 101: This three-part series, which concluded last week, provided fundamentals to association professionals just starting their career path.  We clearly met a need with nearly 80 attendees registered! We expect to continue the series in the future.
• Engaging Association Leaders: Events from our ExecConnect and Executive Women in Nonprofits groups are geared to help you lead. We recently offered programs on hot topics such as Transitioning Your Board to the Strategic Level and Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable Through Change.
• Technology Rocks:  We hosted three Tech Showcases to give you a hands on look at various platforms for hosting virtual events and more. And, speaking of technology, being online has enabled attendees from all over the U.S. to attend our meetings, broadening our visibility!
• Quick Bites over Coffee: The monthly Coffee Break webinars, launched last year and free to members, provide a rich dose of ideas and inspiration in 20 minutes. Next up is Member Value Propositions That Wow on May 14.
• New Benefits Enhance Member Value: The ever-popular Office Hours provides a one-on-one consult with a subject matter expert in an area of concern for your organization. You can also submit your questions to Ask the Experts in this newsletter. CAE Mentor assists those preparing for or considering the Certified Association Executive credential; it's a great way to get advice from member CAEs.
• Other Events: The sold out Meet NY client-customer showcase, held in February 2020, returns this September. We recognized many talented professionals at our lively virtual Synergy Awards program which also featured several new award categories. We hope to see your smiling faces in October for an in-person awards program!  Details of both events in 2021 are here.

In The Works

A member task force is working hard to re-launch NYSAE's Foundation. The mission and goals are under discussion; stay tuned for updates!  And the recently formed Racial & Social Justice Advisory Council is addressing the important issues of diversity, equity and inclusion with a goal of advancing equitable access, opportunity, experience and power so that all can thrive. 

In closing, I extend my thanks to the NYSAE board and member volunteers who serve on our committees and task forces. Your energies and ideas enrich and advance NYSAE. To learn about volunteer opportunities, email Info@Nysaenet.org.

 

Joanne S. Barry, CAE

CEO/Executive Director, New York State Society of CPAs