President’s Message Continued…

I share this vision with everyone who will listen to me. I believe every individual who serves in the public sector, at any level — city, county, state, or federal should be required to complete the Certified Public Manager® program. It is a strategically viable course of action that will return exponential value to public sector customer service and the citizens of our country. It is up to us to make this reality, to work with our program directors, our organization leaders, and our state officers and representatives. Please help me in achieving this goal through our continued efforts.

Bill Herman will be a strong and capable President, and he will serve the Academy well. He and the 2006 team are passionate advocates for the Academy's best interests and capable of implementing the programs, communication tools, and services requested by our membership. I wish them all well and say "thank you" for your unfailing support this past year.

I also remain indebted to the Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Managers® and the Oklahoma Department of Human Services who demonstrated so many times this year their support and loyalty to not only me but the Academy. They made possible my Academy service to its members, its state societies, and associated organizations. Thank you, one and all.

Now, it's time for others to volunteer and continue volunteering their leadership skills, time, and talents in service to their Academy. I encourage you to volunteer and serve on the many committees needed to maintain a successful operating level of the Academy, please don’t hesitate to contact our 2006 AACPM President, Bill Herman and serve on a committee or serve within your local societies.

I often reflect on the words of Ivy Baker Priest. She was a great lady from the state of Utah who became the Treasurer of the United States in 1953. Growing up in poverty, she never expected to hold such a great role or responsibility. She said: “The world is round and the place which may seem like the end may also only be the beginning.” And the words from another great lady, Kay Nidiffer-Rogers, from the state of South Carolina said: “The Academy needs you, your peers need you, and your service can go a long way to ensuring the growth of our profession and value of our CPM credential. You will be richly rewarded; I have been.” These two quotes are so true.

At the end of every action, there is a new action to begin and holding the CPM designation is like no other in existence. Have a new action for every corner you turn and always hold CPM near your heart. I urge you to continue to reach for and achieve success in your daily lives and continue promoting the CPM philosophy within your agency, your Society and the Academy. And next year when it is time to run for an elected position, be the first to submit your name as a candidate.

It is truly an awesome experience; one that I will never forget; one that I will continue to grow from; and one that I would do again in a heart beat. The camaraderie and network of individuals across our great country is a priceless tool to have in your toolbox. And don’t be surprised if you see my name again on a future ballot when my term as Past-President of AACPM expires.

Two last, quick items –

• Christmas is coming!! Help your Academy’s bottom line by doing your online shopping with Amazon.com. AACPM earns a referral fee for all purchases made through the link on our website. If you haven’t visited lately, check out the extensive variety of merchandise available from hundreds of name brands. Hit the Internet at www.cpmacademy.com and look for the link on the bottom of the page.
• Be in Louisville, Kentucky when the Kentucky Society of Certified Public Managers® presents The 18th Annual Professional Development Conference of The American Academy of Certified Public Managers® Sunday September 10 – Wednesday September 12, 2006

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