March 2019 Letter from the President

“Ch..ch..ch..changes!” 🎼 If you were a David Bowie fan like I was back in the day, you might remember this song. I thought his song seemed an appropriate title for this newsletter. I am sad to say that this will be my last letter to you as your President. I am needing to step down from this position due to health reasons. I do not have a terminal illness, but I do have a chronic condition, which has flared in the last 6 months. Two of my doctors have recommended that I take a break to get my health in order. I will stay on until the end of March, when Helen Harrison will step into that role. She will be voted in at the March board meeting and take over at that point. Helen is an excellent leader, with many talents, a creative spirit, and a compassionate heart. She will make an exceptional and committed President. Maureen Riesco will remain as Vice President and Maureen is working closely with Helen and I to make this transition go as smoothly as possible.

Another change, which is sad for our organization, but exciting for Cindy Mayhew, our administrative assistant, is that she is moving on to explore a business opportunity with a friend. Cindy has been incredibly valuable to our association and to me these past 7 months. She has been very supportive, talented and has brought a calm presence to the work I have done as your President. I could not have done this job without her. We will miss her and we wish her well with her new endeavor! Thank you Cindy!

I also want to thank all of you for entrusting me as your President. I have enjoyed this work, learned so much, grown so much, met so many terrific people and have appreciated seeing our organization make a number of positive changes that will help sustain the mission of LAA. Let’s all support our new President, Helen, and work together to Keep LAA Strong!
 - Anne