Dear Fellow MAFS Members,

This is my last message to you as President for this term.  The year goes quickly, especially when the meeting is at the end of August.  The local team in Detroit, the Fall Meeting Planning Committee, and the Training & Education Committee have put together a full, engaging program. If you haven’t already, be sure to register!

Of late, I’ve been asked, “How is the Presidency going?” Not sure what the expected answer is, but my answer is that it has been great.  I work with an amazing Board of Directors who are passionate about serving the membership and who want to build upon the accomplishments of the leaders that came before us. The Committee Members and Section Coordinators are just as passionate about contributing to the organization.  Thank you to everyone for your hard work this year. It has been an honor to be entrusted with leading MAFS.

Speaking of the Board of Directors…we met for our Spring meeting in Milwaukee at the end of April.   This issue of the newsletter contains all committee reports and the meeting minutes. Congratulations and welcome to the new members voted in! 

In my first message to you, I shared some goals: mentorship and personal invitation for involvement.  Even though this term is ending, I encourage you to keep these goals in mind as we gather for the 52^nd Annual Meeting in Detroit.  At lunch times, when looking for an open table, sit with someone you don’t know and strike up a conversation.  Expand your circles and invite the first-time attendees to join you at trivia or the ball game.  That’s how many of us seasoned members were welcomed into the fold.  If you’re interested in joining a committee, being a section coordinator, hosting a meeting, or you just want to know more about getting involved, please contact President-Elect Kathy Boone or me. 

Enjoy some time to relax and recharge this summer.  I look forward to seeing you all in Detroit!  To channel the Gala’s Motown theme and the words of Stevie Wonder…

Signed, Sealed, Delivered…

Yours Truly,

Jillian Baker