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Focused on the Future
By Paul Harter, ISA Executive Director
The last few months have been a trying time for this Society. Through
the hard work and support of the board, the chapters, the members, and
the professional staff, we are now able to look to the future. Our financial
situation is back on the right track, we have a bold new strategic plan,
and we are beginning to adopt organizational changes to make this a stronger,
world-class Society.
In light of what’s been accomplished, I am especially proud to have
been chosen as your new executive director. My first priorities remain
financial prosperity, high-quality products and services for members, and
strong strategic partnerships. My initial focus is on strengthening the
relationship between the headquarters operation and each of the chapters
and professional affiliations. These organizations, along with the people
who make them work, are the backbone of ISA. Improving the depth and effectiveness
of these relationships is essential to the future of this Society. By working
closely together, we have a much better chance of fulfilling the vision
of our current and future strategic plans.
I am a strong believer in the concept of direct, specific, and honest
communication. I believe that communicating in this way is a sign of respect
for the individual. It also helps keep things moving along. I invite you
to contact me when you have questions, comments, or concerns.
I want to extend that invitation to contacting the team here as well.
I am changing this section of Arborist News from an executive director’s
column to a professional staff column. The senior staff here at ISA headquarters
will be taking turns writing this column. This initiative will give you
a chance to get better acquainted with them. I trust that you will find
what they have to say to be interesting and informative.
In closing this, my first message to you, I’d like to thank you for
your significant contribution to our success. When we raised membership
dues last fall, there was a great deal of concern about how you might react.
The numbers to date show that you’ve reaffirmed your commitment to ISA.
More than 91 percent of you who were members last year renewed this year.
In addition, we have approximately 2,200 new members for 2001!
I also want to thank the chapters that stepped up to lend ISA money
when we ran short last fall. Their timely financial boost carried us through
a rough period. I am happy to report that all loaned funds were paid back
in full and ahead of schedule.
I look forward to this chance to contribute to ISA’s continued success.
At this point in my career, all of my previous experience has been in the
world of for-profit business. In light of that, I have to say that working
with so many good people for the advancement of a noble cause beats the
heck out of helping a shareholder buy another yacht.
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International Society of Arboriculture
