By Ronald L. Buchholz, CPM
ronbuchholz@charter.net

We move again into the change of seasons as the cycle of life continues. Leaves in Wisconsin have turned brilliant colors and many have already fallen. There is now a considerable nip in the air and the fall weather (the most desirable and unfortunately the shortest lasting season in Wisconsin) is now upon us. We haven’t had any snow yet here in Madison, but it won’t be too far away.

By the time this edition of the Newsletter is published, my second term as President will be just about completed and a new Board will assume leadership of the Academy. I will become the Immediate Past President assuming the position currently held by Bill Herman.

There is no way that any member of the Academy or I can adequately thank Bill for all that he was done for the Academy during his five years of service on the Academy Board. Bill’s leadership, dedication to the organization and contributions have resulted in the Academy being a much more professional and well-run organization. Each of you needs to thank Bill for all that he has done for and contributed to the Academy. His presence, leadership, guidance and mentoring will be greatly missed by the new Board.

Robinil Jameson completes her second two-year term this year as At-Large Board Member for Member Affairs. Whoever succeeds Robinil will have large shoes to fill. Robinil has been an outstanding member of the Board and her service to the Academy, Member Societies and every single Academy member has set the bar very high for future At-Large Board Members. My personal thanks to Robinil for all that she has done for the organization.

Judy Dennis completes her two-year term this year as the Board Secretary. Judy served the Board and the Academy well as Secretary and was very timely and thorough in her preparation of Board Meeting and HOD meeting minutes. Judy worked with Society Presidents to receive their Annual Reports and with Committee Chairs to receive their Committee Reports for the HOD Meeting. Judy has been an invaluable asset to the Board and she will be missed.

As I am preparing this article, the new Academy officers for 2008 have yet to be determined by ballot. However, Greg Hyland becomes President; Larry Gordon continues to serve as Academy Treasurer completing his second two-year term; and Becky Bryant continues as the At-Large Board Member for Conferences and Communications, completing her first term on the Board. The focus of my second Presidency has been on communication and cooperative efforts to enhance the viability of the Academy, build upon the relationships with the Member Societies and the National CPM Consortium, and to further the recognition and value of Certified Public Managers® and the CPM credential. I have also focused on building upon the great efforts made by the Academy Board since my last term as President…More >