Michael Jordan once issued a two-word
press release. Do you remember it? It simply said, “I’m Back.” While I am no
Michael Jordan… I too, am back. I am extremely fortunate to serve the IIA
Chicago Chapter as President this year, my second term as President. My first
12-month term ended May 31, 2017, and by comparison, that year was a breeze.
This year looks to be quite different. Covid-19 has flipped our world upside
down and has had a significant impact on everything we do. And just like you
have done in your business, the IIA must change the way it does business.
As I type this message, we are still
figuring out how to handle the situation going forward, but once we do, the
Chapter will be more nimble, agile, and responsive. With a little creative thinking
and some help from the membership, I think the sky is the limit for virtual
training, programs, networking, and social events.
This is where I need you. If you have an
idea that will help the Chapter and add value to the membership, please share
it with me and together we will figure out a way to execute. With your help, in
the next 12-24 months, we’ll be much better at member engagement than we’ve
ever been before. This must be a year of celebration, a year of appreciation, a
year of personal connections, and a year of fun. It’s exciting and we need
you!
Even though this year looks a bit
different, keep in mind there are still plenty of volunteer opportunities
available. There are some great reasons to get involved with the IIA Chicago
Chapter. I started volunteering in the early 2000’s and this what I gained:
1.
Build a Professional Network of Internal Audit
Superstars – through volunteering with the Chapter you get to rub elbows, work
with, and become friends with the “who’s who” of internal audit in Chicago,
throughout the country, and around the world.
2.
Resume Enhancing Skills – through the Chapter
you gain immediate management experience that could otherwise takes years in
your job. Want to manage a team, a project, a program, a business? You can do
it today with the Chapter and you can check the box in your list of
professional experience.
3.
Boost Your Ego and Self-Esteem – through
volunteering with the Chapter, you get to create programs and events that will
impact dozens, maybe hundreds, and potentially thousands of your peers. There
is no greater source of professional pride than the pride of seeing an
accomplishment positively impact a group of peers. This will give you, as it
did me, a stronger sense of self-confidence and enhance your career opportunities.
These are just three things that will
benefit you through volunteering, but they aren’t the only things. I encourage
you to get involved and find out for yourself. Thank you for your support and
encouragement. I look forward to working with you throughout the next 12
months.
Click
here for the complete IIA Chicago Innovator Fall 2020 article.
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