New AMA Tampa Bay President – My Look Ahead

For those of you who missed it, on June 22, Colleen Chappell, the AMA Tampa Bay President and President of ChappellRoberts, passed the gavel of leadership to me.

After a year of serving with Colleen as President-Elect and several years working with the organization in other capacities, I am excited to now be President of AMA Tampa Bay, which has more than 400 members and is one of the fastest growing chapters in the United States.

I’d like to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for your ongoing support as we move into the new fiscal year. Many of you have asked me, “Do you know what you’re getting into?”

You know, it’s funny, but I totally do.

Challenges and successes

During my term as President-Elect, I had the opportunity to work with, troubleshoot, problem solve, and have a heck of a lot of fun (and wine) with one of the most dynamic and well-respected leaders in Tampa Bay — Colleen Chappell. While I learned a lot about the details, deliverables and some of the downright difficult aspects of running our chapter, the most important things I gained from her are life skills that will continue to help me not only as a professional, but also as a wife, mother and friend.

Colleen and I have shared a year full of life-changing experiences, both personal and professional. I had a baby, and she prepared her “baby” to fly away from the nest. We had moving nightmares, and business successes. Working with Colleen and AMA Tampa Bay has become an incredibly personal experience.

Without Colleen’s continued support and guidance, I would not be ready to take on this role. Knowing that she will still be here not only as Immediate Past President but as a confidante, sounding board and friend, means that this will be a year that will be full of surprises and laughter (and yes, even more wine).

Thanks, Colleen, for everything.

“Above and Beyond”

Under Colleen’s leadership, the Board of Directors shared her vision to “Keep on Growing,” and you know what, it worked! At a time when other professional organizations have found it incredibly difficult to stay afloat, AMA Tampa Bay’s membership has increased steadily. This proves just how important we are to the marketing community.

Our growth is in no small part due to our dedicated volunteers, committee members, sponsors and Board of Directors. Everyone’s worked diligently to spearhead new and exciting opportunities that have proven to be incredibly successful. With this strong foundation beneath me, I look forward to working with all of you to take our chapter “Above and Beyond.”

Now that we’ve achieved substantial growth, I am committed to a focused approach that will help us to find new ways to engage, serve and connect with our membership on an even more personal level.

This brings me to our chapter’s new President-Elect, Sean Halter.

Interesting times ahead

Sean is dedicated, passionate and funny. He has served on our Board of Directors for quite some time now, and he’s more than prepared for his new role as President-Elect. He has proven himself as a resourceful and talented leader, and I am eagerly awaiting the fresh perspective and new ideas he will surely contribute.

I don’t know if anyone can truly prepare to work with me on an almost daily basis (haha), though I made a big effort to provide Sean with the tools and resources that will help him through this year.

So my husband, Chad, gave him a book full of insults and comebacks. (Sean should enjoying using that in the coming year, I am sure.)

Together we’re better

In closing, I want to again thank everyone who has helped me on my path to chapter leadership. I am positive that this year will once again be stellar, and we will continue to serve the marketing community unlike any other professional group in Tampa Bay.

We have a truly talented Board of Directors this year, and I would like to take a moment to recognize our incoming 2010-2011 Board at this time.

Sean Halter, President-Elect
Colleen Chappell, Immediate Past President
Thryth Hillary-Navarro, Secretary
Greg Millman, Treasurer
Susan Follick, VP Communications & Branding
Vince Bailey, VP Research
Shanna Kurpe, VP of Programming, Co-chair
Jeff Young, VP of Programming, Co-chair
Will Rose, VP Sponsorship
Doug Engel, VP Collegiate Relations
Jeremy Dixon, VP Human Resources
Jennie M. Jordan, VP Volunteers
Tracy Beck Clouser, Director of Public & Media Relations
Jennifer McCafferty, Director of Programming Development
Andrea Gorder, Director of Event Management
Shelly Bramm, Director of Membership Retention

Thanks to all of you for agreeing to take this journey with me.