The Green Tie

Greetings and Happy New Year!

January 20, 2011 at 12:00 pm 1 comment

As the new president of NAEM, I look forward to 2011 with great enthusiasm and optimism.  I’m truly honored to be entrusted by you to lead this organization for the next two years.

At the beginning of each new year, I like to try to predict events for the coming year by playing one of my favorite childhood games, Magic 8-Ball.  Remember that game?

With the 8-Ball in hand, I asked my first question:  Will the 112^th Congress pass any major environmental legislation?  Answer:  “Ask again later.”

Hmm… Let’s try another: Will USEPA look to expand its authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act?  Answer:  “Better not tell you now.”

Okay, let’s try a different track.  How about:  Will I meet my goals as president of NAEM?  Answer:  “Most definitely.”  More like it!

I’ve set three goals to be achieved during my presidency.  These include:

• Next generation leadership: As the largest professional community for corporate EHS and sustainability decision-makers, NAEM has over 1,500 members with about 75 corporate sponsors.  The continued success of the association is dependent on strong leadership.  We have an obligation as leaders within our companies and as members of the NAEM Board to identify high potential candidates and provide them with development opportunities to position them as future leaders.  This goal will focus on development of a program to actively cultivate the next generation of professionals to be future leaders of NAEM and within our own companies.
• Enhancement of our innovative programming through tailored educational learning events: NAEM is fortunate to have a large and diverse membership base.  But diversity brings a responsibility to provide relevant programming that speaks to the issues and provide solutions.  It also brings the opportunity to create segmented programming based on industry sectors and interest level.  This goal will explore the relevancy of tailored or segmented programming, programming readily packaged for chapter use and programming produced for podcast use.
• Building a strong community and membership engagement: One of the strengths of NAEM is its strong community of professionals that provides an unparalleled peer-to-peer network.  As we continue to grow, we are remain focused on maintaining a strong sense of community even when we are not together.  Our new website provides a social networking platform that is part of the solution.  However, we need to look for ways to engage all members of our community to create an all inclusive and well-rounded sense of community.  I’m referring to engagement that creates an inclusive and well-rounded sense of belonging..  This goal will focus on strengthening our virtual community and creating a sense of connectedness through active membership engagement.

Over the next few months I will be working to create a plan to deliver on these goals over the next two years.  In the meantime, I welcome your comments and thoughts for initiatives to help make these goals a reality.  I truly wish you the best in the new year.

Hear Pat discuss her agenda for the new term here:

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