Horace’s Incoming Speech at the Annual Business Meeting on June 4, 2021
My appreciation to Shannon Lewis for administering the Oath of Office. For those who are not familiar, Shannon served as president immediately prior to Micah during the onset of Covid, when many of us were looking for models for service delivery during the pandemic. She did a phenomenal job last year. Each year the Conference serves as the culmination of the presidency. Since there was no conference last year, we did not get a chance to publicly extend our thanks to her for her year of leadership.
My thanks also to Micah for his leadership this past year. During this difficult year of leadership, he led the association through many accomplishments, including leading through the pandemic; starting the podcast library; revising the website; engaging membership and getting input on their needs; leading the Board through a Strategic Planning Session, that was responsive to the needs of the membership; and ultimately determining whether or not to have this in-person conference. The timing of this conference is ideal, one of the first in-person outings, and seems to be well appreciated by attendees.
In this profession we are not alone in our daily activities, so as I get sworn in, I wanted to take the time to thank members of my support system. That includes my wife, Charmaine; members of the current and former City of North Miami Beach team; FCCMA members with whom I served on committees; the FCCMA Board of Directors for their nomination; and, the FCCMA membership for your confidence and affirmation. This is a huge task to follow and I accept the position with the greatest of humility and pride.
During the upcoming year, we look to develop a sense of normalcy, in an environment where so much has changed. We look to do things better, in an environment where we have already mastered remote working, alternate work schedules, working out of our garages; we look to provide in-person service, where city halls were previously closed; we look to reinstating in-person training, where virtual was sufficient; we look to implement a strategic plan, that reflects the needs of our members and reflect the concerns you have expressed.
As we look to this year, remember that this is an organization of professional development, professional networking, peer support. The more you put into the organization, the more you get out of it. As we look to this year, I would challenge each of you to get involved and become engaged in the various committees. Given the range of experience we possess and areas that we serve, there are many opportunities to get involved. We have so many committees (Communications, Legislative, Professional Development, Membership, Student Council, Conference Planning) and opportunities to serve.
As an association the more you put into FCCMA, the more you get out of FCCMA, and the more you build this OUR professional organization.
As I close my remarks, let it not be about me being the president this year, but let it be about us building the organization, OUR organization to another level this year.
Thank you for this privilege to serve you, which I accept with the greatest of honor and humility.
