Dear members and associates of the Chesapeake Bay Division of the IAI. Thank you for this opportunity to address you. I am so glad to be a member of this great CBDIAI family.

I am deeply honored to have been nominated by the committee to continue the line of succession within this great organization. I am very, very pleased to be following in the footsteps of all that went before me, and especially in the footsteps of good friends and colleagues, who have served this organization and its members with distinction.

I want to begin by thanking everyone who helped me over the years as I made my transition from the many ranks of vice president. I figure that I am inheriting an organization of professionals who work in various levels of government who through great love and sacrifice enable this great body to operate smoothly. I come into the Office of the Presidency knowing what we have done great things successfully over the years, through teamwork and consistency, but also know changes come and that’s what life is about.

I want you to know that I am deeply impressed by the people I have met here. As a new member, the warm reception I received at my first conference opened my eyes to what a great organization the CBDIAI was. Since then I was encouraged to participate in committees and eventually to volunteer as an officer. Some of my best professional memories are attending CBDIAI conferences.

We are going to have a great time together. I like to hear things directly. I am going to be asking many of you to tell me directly what you think about the direction of this organization. I want this to be an organization that is in touch with its members. I also want this organization to remain consistent in delivering quality training and education to its members and the professional community.

I want you to know that I will do everything I can to make sure the CBDIAI continues to succeed in bringing people together through education, comradery and scholarship. Thank you for your support. And I look forward to our days together ahead. Thank you very much.