While I have been a member of NACADA for many years, I became active at the regional level in 2002, when I volunteered to be the Eastern New York State rep for Region 1. I enjoyed representing the eastern New York members and communicating with them. I sponsored Drive-In Workshops that were fun to put together and were well attended. I then joined the conference planning committee in 2004 and have remained active in a leadership role in Region 1 ever since. I shadowed the Registration Chairperson in 2005 and became Registration Chairperson in 2006 and served as that for two years. This gave me wonderful insight into the planning of our Regional Conference. I have been the Scholarship Chairperson since 2005 and love granting the many scholarships that Region 1 awards each year. We continue to put our money into new scholarships that benefit our members. This year, I am also the Site Chairperson for our 2009 Region 1 Conference, which I am really enjoying.

What do you believe are the most important goals and initiatives for this unit in meeting the strategic plan for both the unit and the Association ?

I believe that the most important goal of Region 1 should be to provide professional development opportunities for Academic Advisors that strengthen them in their career as Advisors. We can do this through conferences, drive-in workshops, newsletters, list serves, etc.   We want to advance their knowledge of academic advising, strengthen their understanding of their students and empower them as advisors on their campus. There is nothing more powerful than a network of colleagues that you can rely on for advice, assistance and support. All of these goals fit nicely into the larger strategic plan of NACADA.

Why are you interested in serving in this leadership position or what influenced you to run for this leadership position? 

I am excited to run for the Region 1 Chair position because there are outstanding, innovative and creative NACADA members in Region 1. They have inspired me to be a leader and they have supported me in countless ways as I contemplated running for this position. I am energized by them and believe that together, we could have two years of wonderful professional development experiences. I am truly looking forward to this.

Provide any additional comments or information (either personal or leadership-related) that you want potential voters to know about you that is not covered elsewhere in your platform information. 

Past Involvement in NACADA:

Years in NACADA: 16 years

National Offices Held and Accomplishments Achieved While in Office:

Regional Activities/Offices Held, including accomplishments achieved while in office:

• Region 1 Site Chair, 2009 Conference
• Region 1 Scholarship Chairperson, 2005-present
• Region 1 Conference Registration Chair, 2007 & 2008 Conferences
• Region 1 Conference Planning Committee, 2004-2006
• Region 1 State Rep from NY, 2002-2006

Committee/Task Force/Advisory Board Activities and Accomplishments:

• Member and Reader, National Awards Selection Committee, 2009

Commission/Interest Group Activities and Accomplishments:

• Member: Distance Education Advising Commission, Advising Administration Commission, Advising Adult Learner Commission.
• Steering Committee Member, Distance Education Advising Commission, 2008-current

Other:

•   2002-2006 -- As the NY State Rep to Region 1, sponsored Drive-In Workshops for local NACADA members.