From the Executive Director

Happy New Year!!!!

No, not that one; the one that begins on July 1. The 2008-09 school year has officially begun!

It is also the date when officers end and begin their two-year terms. This year that means the state level officers will be changing.

Angie Weaver and Carrie Taylor have done a yeoman's job as junior and senior section chairs. Those aren't terribly demanding jobs but they do involve not only some time but also some serious responsibility. Both have performed their duties in a stellar manner! Carrie moves to all state chair and Angie to senior section chair. LaJuana Warner comes onboard as junior section chair.

Cynthia Outlaw has been invaluable as all state chair. The nature of that position has changed drastically in the past 5 years (in fact until recently it was split into two offices; tryout chair and clinic chair!). Still, at tryouts and during the clinic itself it is a stressful and demanding position. Cynthia will become chairman of the Southwest Region.

And of course, the three flavors of president will be changing. After a two-year stint at president-elect, where he performed his duties (primarily at all state) in his usual dependable and responsible way, Craig Jones will assume the gavel as president for the 2008-10 biennium. Mark Langley begins his term as president elect.

After a lengthy term on the board in one capacity or another, past president Mary Sargo-Schapiro will be leaving the board. During her term as president Mary provided outstanding leadership for our organization. As past president her counsel and input have been invaluable.

And then there's Tina Niederbrach who will be handing the president's gavel over to Craig and standing in where Mary once stood as past president.

Tina is the 18th president of ArkCDA (two served two terms). I have been on the board in one capacity or another with 13 of those, dating back to 1978 (no wise cracks from those of you who weren't even born then..... your day's comin!!!) You can see a list of them at the website (People, Past Presidents).

All have served our organization well. Some had relatively benign terms while others wrestled with some major and difficult issues.

As I look at the list I recall the contributions of those who led through both the smooth and choppy seas; changing the audition process and scoring method, implementing sight reading at cpa, creating the 6th region and, from a personal standpoint, converting the executive directors' position to a full time position.

As I reflect on Tina's legacy I will recall the creation of the mentor program and planting the seed of what will hopefully become our own Code of Ethics. Both of those will have a long-lasting impact on the ArkCDA.

I will also recall the professional manner in which she conducted the "bidness" of the association. (Not to mention helping one another to maintain the FILTER!)

So I say to those who completed their terms a hearty "Well done, thou good and noble servant!" And to those beginning their new terms I look forward to working with you in the new year.

Enjoy what's left and I'll see you in Hot Springs!!