Welcome

Summit 2008…A smashing success!

The initial response of the inaugural Summit of the Association of Advancement Services Professionals has been exceptional.  For those who joined me in Chicago – thank you.  I hope you enjoyed the education, brainstorming and networking. 

Summit 2008 welcomed more than 110 participants to the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart, November 6 & 7.  I am grateful for the exceptional leadership provided by our talented faculty and for the amazing partnership of 10 Founding Sponsors.

On Thursday, November 6, the AASP held its annual meeting, which included the election of your 2009 Board of Directors.  Congratulations to the following individuals on their board election.  Other highlights included the ratification of the AASP Bylaws, Committee reports, and a special award to Jonathan Lindsay for his lifetime contributions to the Advancement Services profession.  Jonathan recently retired from Baylor University.  Full minutes will soon be forthcoming.

·         Nancy Benavente, Oregon Health & Sciences University Foundation

·         Brian Dowling, University of Michigan

·         Gail Ferris, Catholic University of America

·         Vicky Medlock, Shenandoah University

·         Amy Phillips, Smithsonian Institution

·         Jaime Porter, Carnegie Mellon University

·         Robert Saunders, Oakland University

·         John Taylor, North Carolina State University

·         Meredith Winter, The Nature Conservancy

By far, the greatest success factor for Summit 2008 was you!  Your active sharing of ideas and solutions was great to witness and experience.

As provided by the Bylaws of the AASP, the election of Officers to the Board was conducted at the meeting of the Board on Friday, November 7.  Please join me in recognizing the new officer slate, effective January 1, 2009:

·         President – John Taylor

·         Vice President – Vicky Medlock

·         Treasurer – Robert Saunders

·         Secretary – Gail Ferris

The Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Summit 2009 will be held again in Chicago.  We anticipate the date to be announced by early January for either October or November.  As a partner to many in our industry, we are working to finalize a date that minimizes conflict with other important professional development opportunities.

As I close out my term as your President of AASP, I am reminded how far we have come in such a short time.  Just two years ago we launched a survey to see what your interest are and how this organization can provide a valuable resource to our profession.  We have many opportunities ahead in our growth and maturation, but the foundation is firm and Summit 2008 was proof positive.

Thank you for your dedication, leadership and support.