2009 Elections

By Gregory D. Hyland, CPM, Past President
Greg.Hyland@yumaaz.gov

My fellow Academy Members, the time has come to elect our 2010 Academy Officers. When looking for quotes on volunteerism that would be fitting for an article on our elections, the following quotes seemed appropriate. “In every community there is work to be done. In every nation there are wounds to heal. In every heart there is the power to do it.”  These are words from Marianne Williamson. Ms. Williamson is one of the most recognized names in contemporary spiritual literature and philosophy. Dr. Albert Schweitzer had this thought on volunteerism, “I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only ones among you who will be truly happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.”  Former President George H. W. Bush wrote “Service is never a simple act; it's about sacrifice for others and about accomplishment for ourselves, about reaching out, one person to another, about all our choices gathered together as a country to reach across all our divides.”

Why am I reciting all these quotes about volunteerism? Following the inspirational words of Dr. Schweitzer, Marianne Williamson, and President Bush, it is now your time to accept that personal calling, to fulfill your “destiny” and step forward to lead our “community,” the American Academy of Certified Public Managers®, as a member of the Academy Board of Directors.

At our conference this September in Orlando, Florida, we will be electing our President-Elect, Secretary, and Member at Large for Member Affairs. The terms for these officers will begin on January 1, 2010. Our election will be conducted as a part of the annual House of Delegates (HOD) meeting on September 23, 2009. The HOD meeting will be the final event of our 21st Annual Professional Development Conference.

The Academy's officers and board members serve as trustees to our commitment to public service as an honorable calling and to the Academy as a moral, economically viable, vibrant, dynamic organization. They oversee the day-to-day operations of our great organization. Being an Academy board member gives one the opportunity for professional development, national and international networking with public managers, on-going education, and community service through volunteer leadership opportunities. Participation in various program activities, on committees or in the daily operation of the Academy enhances the benefits received by you and the other members of the Academy.

During their terms of office, members of the Academy board are required to attend the annual conferences, travel to an annual mid-year board meeting, and participate in additional meetings to complete the business of the Academy. These additional meetings are typically held once per month either telephonically via conference calls or electronically via the Internet. More may be necessary during the portion of the year approaching the annual conference.

To nominate someone, or even yourself, for one of the Academy offices this year, simply fill out the 2010 Nomination Form available at www.cpmacademy.org/pdf/2010-Officer-Nomination-Form.pdf. This form has all the information you should need. The Academy's ByLaws and Standard Operating Procedures provide additional information regarding the service opportunities and the positions that will be on the 2009 ballot. Both documents are posted on the AACPM web site at www.cpmacademy.org. Take the time and nominate our next generation of leaders - you'll be glad you did! Nominations must be received before 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30, 2009.

If you have questions, or need additional information, please get in touch with me. I can be reached via email at Greg.Hyland@YumaAz.gov or via phone at (928) 373-5023 – office , (928) 580-4751 – cell.

© Copyright 2009, American Association of Certified Public Managers®