I am delighted to be writing to you in my new role as CEO of ILTA. Before going any further, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for the many kind notes, calls, and posts on social media following the announcement of my new position. Even more importantly, I would like to thank the staff for outstanding performance during the transition. First, let me tell you that being CEO of ILTA is my dream job, without question!
Why is that? My participation in ILTA as a member and as a business partner – and most especially as a volunteer – has made me a better technologist, a better leader, and a better person.
Attending my first LawNet (previous name of ILTA) conference in 1996, I have now participated in 23. I have been privileged to speak at ILTA events, write for ILTA publications, and volunteer in a number of roles, including Board President. For the past four years, I have been part of an ILTA platinum sponsor organization. To be able to serve ILTA in this new capacity is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Second, many of you in the ILTA-verse have asked me about my priorities as I undertake my new role. That’s actually pretty easy. Here you go.
Listen … to the members. Many members have already reached out to me (I am fortunate to know a number of you personally) with thoughts and ideas. I am reviewing the most recent surveys conducted with members, and I participated in the recent Virtual Town Hall.
Listen … to the business partners. Providing thought leadership, innovative technology products and services, and financial support, our business partners are an integral part of our ILTA community. In October, I participated in my first Partner Advisory Council meeting. We are working with the PAC to analyze the results of our most recent business partner survey.
Listen … to the ILTA professional staff. Behind the scenes, they ensure that members and business partners have what they need when they need it – and they do it with passion.
Most importantly, all of this listening has to occur in the context of our goals of providing access to relevant information, opportunities for meaningful connections within a diverse membership, and resources to support all of our participants in their jobs. Of course, operational excellence and outstanding service delivery underpin everything.
Between now and the end of the year, I will be attending a number of in-person events, beginning with INSIGHT. (Look for me at a holiday social near you!) However, I would encourage any and all of you to provide your perspectives, wish list items, and offers to volunteer (hint, hint). Please feel free to email feedback@iltanet.org or joy@iltanet.org.
Finally, please allow me to thank you for everything all of you do to make ILTA the unique and amazing organization that we love. Looking forward to working with all of you!
Warm regards (and hugs!) to all! ILTA