A Look Into the Future

Thank you to everyone for the warm welcomes and for your patience during my transition into the role of Executive Director for the Chesapeake Region Chapter of Community Associations Institute. In my brief time here, I have come to understand why this chapter stands head and shoulders above the rest. It is truly the example of what good membership can look like in organizations like ours. This example of good membership can only be made possible under the leadership of a dynamic Board of Directors. A Board of Directors who is spearheading the evolution of the chapter into the future. An exciting reason to continue your membership with the chapter as we journey together into 2023.

Come next year, you as members will have elected three directors to fill the open seats on the board, thus making a choice in those that you want to represent you as a member and what you value in this organization. The current President, Susan Rapaport, Esq., has worked effortlessly to inspire the idea of taking things to the next level, which has served as guidance to the next President. Rebecca Clemson-Petrik, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, as President-Elect has found the idea to be the perfect way to go bigger in her term as President. So, get ready to be a part of something great to come.

The chapter will continue to bring educational opportunities to its members to further their knowledge of the homeowner world. Next year the mission will be to bring more advanced educational courses to assist in achieving and retaining PCAM level credentials. The Education Committee is focused on crafting an outline for the success of this mission and the best content that will excite your curiosity. In developing a successful offering of courses, the committee depended on the survey preferences you had towards certain subject matters. They are thrilled to bring you well-rounded and resourceful materials to deliver a diverse knowledge base in your development as a professional.

As a chapter committed to building better communities, we will continue to strive to adopt a perspective to enhance diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. This effort is to go beyond just the workplace and explore practices that can better homeowner communities. In addition, this will be reflected in the makeup of our membership as we continue to grow to new achievements as a Very Large Chapter in CAI. The growth of the chapter this year has surpassed 1,250 members and will continue to grow as we head into next year. The hope is that all members continue to invite prospective members to join the CAI family.

Furthering member engagement will be complemented by events and activities to keep members motivated throughout the year. We all understand that as we work hard, we must have fun along the way. Next year we will have an amazing time as we take on new themes and try new experiences as we network together. Your feedback has given chapter leadership the tools they need to design a calendar of events that offers the best path for your membership. By providing us with your participation, you help the ideas of our committees become a reality. No matter if it is the Crab Feast, Gala, or the Annual Symposium and Expo, our committees want you to enjoy the benefits of your membership. They hope to do this by improving your familiar experiences and attempting to bring innovative ideas. Do not miss the excitement that 2023 will bring and the achievements we can make together as the Chesapeake Region Chapter of Community Associations Institute. Written by Richard Coppage Chapter Executive Director