President’s Message

With the utmost gratitude I am writing my last President’s Letter for the first issue of the iG Journal for 2021. Just a year ago we were getting along just fine, then COVID hit, causing us to cancel the annual conference and go forward without our expected time together. This happened to everyone, but with our normal resolve and determination, we forged ahead, took on new challenges, and by and large, we are more than ready for what the future holds.

Out of an abundance of caution, the board canceled the in-person conference for 2021 and has opted for a first ever Virtual Conference. The virtual conference will enable us to spend time together, visit with vendors that support our members, and engage with the present and future of the industry.

I did not expect the year to go the way it has. No one did. Often when we prepare our budgets and forecasts, we ask ourselves, what do we reasonably expect to happen, and we make all kinds of plans around our assumptions. Usually, we do a little looking back to see ahead. This year we held our first ever virtual Shred School, The Road to Recovery webinars series, and other pockets of member interaction. We are pleased to see the high level of Certifications and renewals from our members and the high value this conveys to the public.

Just a short time ago, NAID and PRISM International merged into one organization and was supported for two years by an interim Board of Directors. I was the first elected President of the new joint association and served my entire term virtually. We accomplished a long list of items and just completed a long-term Strategic Planning session. This was an important goal during my term and even though we were challenged to meet, I am proud of this accomplishment and the guidance it will provide i-SIGMA over the next several years.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve.

Patrick DeVries, CSDS

i-SIGMA President