We’ve waited two years for this…summer in Chicago—and the ability to fully enjoy it. Festivals are coming back. Concerts are coming back. Fireworks are coming back. Everyday a little more normal creeps back into our lives, a welcome change that we’ve been waiting for.  

The arrival of summer also signals the annual turn of the calendar for the IIA, which means the passing of the torch from the current Chapter President, me, to the new Chapter President, Kyle O’Rourke. While I am sad to see my term come to an end, I am excited for what lies ahead under Kyle’s leadership. He certainly has paid his dues by serving in various IIA Chicago Chapter roles, including Government Advisory, CAP reporting, and the Annual Seminar. He’ll rely on that experience as he shepherd​ the Chapter through the reopening of in-person activities.    

The new Chapter year brings with it the excitement of announcing new Chapter Officers, new Board of Governor members, and new committee appointees. It also provides an opportunity to reflect on the year that was and celebrate the Chapter’s success with various awards. 

Speaking of reflecting, let’s take a look back at the exceedingly difficult past 12 months, both for Chicago and for the Chapter. Our mission didn’t change, our commitment to the mission didn’t change, but the method for delivering on the mission—well, that was turned upside down. Transitioning from in-person to virtual wasn’t as easy as it may have seemed. We (by “we” I mean the Chapter volunteers) formed a committee to evaluate online tools before settling on Zoom, we had to inform IIA HQ of our decision and then defend our decision. We had to renegotiate and/or cancel contracts with various meeting venues, hotels, and restaurants, and we had to issue refunds—countless refunds. We had to renegotiate with NASBA to allow us to issue CPE credits for virtual meetings. The list goes on. Were we perfect? Nope. Did we make mistakes? Probably. Could we have done better? Likely. Did we get stuff done? Absolutely!!!   

I am eternally grateful for the volunteers that made this past year a tremendous success. As I look to our volunteers and membership, I am regularly humbled by the passion for the profession, the camaraderie, and the willingness to serve together for a greater cause. If you are a volunteer, thank you. If you are not a volunteer but wish to begin. Just do it! There are a million reasons to get started and there are just as many “buts” that might prevent you from taking the first step. Well… I encourage you to just begin. 

Thank you for taking the time to read this. As I saddle up my horse and look towards the sunset, I’ll never fully go away. If you ever have a question about how you can help with the IIA, even in a micro volunteering role, call me.