Highlights from the AACPM Professional Development Conference

By Barbara C. Pepper, CPM, Editor
bpepper@mississippi.org

The 21st annual conference, “Leadership in the New Millennium” opened to an audience of over 200. The traditional society flag ceremony followed by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard and a moving rendition of the national anthem, performed a cappella by one of their own, set the tone for the event. Bob Kodzis kicked things off with his creative and invigorating “Live Happy” presentation. His approach proved to be entertaining, informative, and thought-provoking and even included a little sleight of hand with a deck of playing cards. Tuesday’s keynote speaker was John Pieno of the Florida Sterling Council. Mr. Pieno explained how to adapt the Sterling/Baldrige Management System to achieve a competitive advantage within any size or type organization. Don Yaeger, best-selling author, journalist, and sports enthusiast delivered the closing keynote – “Sixteen Consistent Characteristics of Greatness.”  Mr. Yaeger presented an emotionally riveting story, verbally and visually, of how the “Great Ones” think, prepare, and live. He challenged attendees to develop greatness in their own personal lives and careers.

Society Presidents met to discuss common challenges, opportunities, and strategic plans. Mark Evans and Charlene Cutting, Co-Chairs of the Strategic Planning Committee, facilitated a separate session to further explore updates to the Academy’s formal strategic plan. Educational tracks entitled “Accountable Management in Changing Times,” “Quality Performance in Present Times,” “Organizational Preparation for Future Times, and “Responsible Government in Difficult Times” included numerous workshops led by a cadre of experienced and knowledgeable professionals. Door prizes added interest and excitement, as did anticipation of the highly competitive drawing for Society basket raffle winners. Revenue from the voluntary basket entries traditionally supplies seed money to the next year’s conference host society. The annual “Academy Awards” banquet topped off the conference with an evening of recognition, fellowship, and bittersweet farewells to colleagues.

Delegates remained in Orlando for one more day to attend the House of Delegates meeting. The Academy’s governing body met the final morning to elect officers, approve committee reports, discuss various business issues, establish the 2010 operating budget, and generally set the stage for 2010.

Newly elected officers sworn in by AACPM President, Stephen J. Mastro (far right) during the 2009 House of Delegates meeting:

2010 Board of Directors, pictured left to right, are: Joyce Doakes-Smith (OK), President; Jeffrey Kramer (AZ), President-Elect; Linda Jefferson (NC), Member-at-Large for Member Affairs; and Debra Bourbeau (NH), Secretary.

© Copyright 2009, American Academy of Certified Public Managers®