Cooperation, Collaboration, and Community

I am writing this at the beginning of my third week as the new executive vice president of NAEA. To say it has been a whirlwind the past few weeks would be an understatement. But with all new roles, there is so much to learn, there are relationships to build, and policies and procedures to understand. Right now, my days are filled with lots of meetings…so many meetings. Also, lots of questions…so many questions. But it is all time well spent as I learn more about the members, the staff, and the organization.

Having worked in association management for nearly two decades, I already have a strong foundation of why associations exist and how they provide value to members. In its most simple form, it is about education, advocacy, and community. Those core values have not changed, but the real work now is how we adapt, and how we continue to deliver on these value propositions in the post-pandemic, digital-first (and more complicated) world we all reside in.

By the time you read this, the staff and the board will be gathering data and information, and will be building a new strategic plan. With membership growth as the most critical issue in mind, we will need to:

• Strengthen our value propositions beyond the traditional model to stay competitive and relevant to all enrolled agents; this includes programs and services that will help them build their businesses and diversify their services.
• Modernize and be nimbler and more flexible in our communications and education offerings to keep members informed on timely and developing professional issues.
• Enhance our member service to ensure a great experience when they interact with NAEA, both in person and virtually.
• Build stronger relationships and collaboration with state affiliates.
• Diversify our membership, leadership, and volunteer base.
• Raise awareness of the enrolled agent credential and attract new people into the profession.

Although the organization has had its challenges, the foundation of the organization is solid. The enrolled agent community is strong and proud. The NAEA team is talented, hardworking, and dedicated. The NAEA leadership is very committed to the organization and gives so much time in support of their fellow members. NAEA has so much potential to grow and become an even stronger organization and I am excited to be able to be part of that journey.

I would like to thank the board, the staff, and everyone else who has reached out to me during this time to offer their congratulations and support. I am a true believer that it really does take a village, and cooperation, collaboration, and community will help move this organization forward.