CBODN President's Blog

A new year, a new decade . . . it’s time to re-invent CBODN! Here is a sample of what’s on deck for 2010:

• Re-define CBODN’s value proposition.  A special mid-year retreat on January 30^th will include not just the Board of Directors, but SIG Leaders, and other key volunteers and active members. We have space constraints, but if you would like to attend a portion of this retreat, please contact me at kgaines@cbodn.org. We want to include as many members of our community as we are able to accommodate.

• Explore a name change.  Our name is the essence of our identity. Are there other possibilities that will better evoke who we are? What other options might strengthen our branding and marketing efforts? How can we best get the input and buy-in of our community into this pivotal decision?

• An extensive member (and non-member) survey. Your feedback has never been more essential. The results will shape our future direction, so we are pulling out all the stops to increase our response rate. This process will include focus groups, interviews, and a survey instrument. We hope to include non-members, as well as members, and intend to offer this survey on-line and in paper & pencil format.  It will cover four key areas: operations, events, professional development, and outreach. We are fortunate to have the expertise and leadership of Daniel Fien-Helfman and Steve Chaplain through every phase of this process from design, implementation, and analysis through reporting.

• New services and programs. We begin the year re-launching our new and improved Consultant Directory as we work on enhancing our job listings, mentoring, and career resource-oriented events.

• More transparency and communication. We are really growing in new directions – more members, new services and technologies, a shifting organizational culture. We know that there can be some pitfalls to avoid when implementing change, so we are exploring the idea of a web page on our site dedicated to changes and updates. The hope is that we can include a blogging feature to facilitate collaboration as we envision and create a more valued future.

• Revised By-Laws.  We need to update our bylaws to support our growth and changing structure. Many of the revisions will include minor updates and others will be big. For example, the large size of our board of directors presents difficulties related to communication, decision-making, and team effectiveness. We will propose a smaller board with the intent of building stronger volunteer teams and more member engagement and participation. These revisions will be another opportunity for member input as we will take a vote on approving them during our Annual Meeting on April 30^th.

I would like to take this opportunity to recognize four organizations that have supported CBODN by offering free meeting space to our Board on more than one occasion. This space permits us to have professional, confidential meetings that allow team members to conference in when they must. This support means a great deal and makes a big difference to us. Thank you.

• Adventist HealthCare

• American Society for Interior Designers

• Hassett Willis & Company

• Pepco

Finally, as we shift into a new year, I want to acknowledge three key contributors who have had to leave our Board because of big shifts in their own lives. Michelle Poché Flaherty, Erica Tetuan, and Neville Uhles have each had to step down from the Board to make space in their lives for new endeavors. The good news is that all three remain committed to our community and hope to re-engage more fully in the future. I want to thank them for all that they have contributed and wish them continued success. In fact, let me wish you all much success in the coming year and decade. Happy New Year!

With appreciation and gratitude,

Kathryn Gaines, Ph.D.

President, CBODN