Letter from the President: 2014-2015 – Evolving GMIS ... and Pigtails

 

Thanks to our membership, our sponsors and most certainly our management team at CMP Management, led by Savanna Lott, for a wonderful year of GMIS! 2014-2015 has proven to be very successful, with synergy and team play the keys to success. As I bid adieu to my term as President of the organization, I am proud to have accepted the baton from 2013-2014 President and current Executive Director Janet Claggett last August. I also look forward to passing that same joy of leadership on to 2015-2016 President-Elect Brian Kelley.

Deep roots bear fruit! When I was a gangly 1-year-old with curly hair, my older sister used to braid it and put it in pigtails. While I cried about it, GMIS was in the proverbial coffee pot stage, graduating from infancy and searching for identity. For those not familiar with the GMIS "coffee pot" stage, as I like to phrase it, ask a veteran member: "Back in 1971, 10 IT guys and a coffee pot got together and formed a government IT group ..." It's very much a "Semper Fidelis" moment for GMIS faithful. Of course, the variables change with every telling of the history – 30 guys, 10 guys, 10 "people," you get the gist. GMIS members love their evolving identity, for good reason.

In 2007, during the Reno/Sparks conference, my late friend John Moody awarded my friend Marc Pfeiffer, then Deputy Director of the State of New Jersey Division of Local Government Services, the Hershel Strickland Ambassador of the Year Award. "GMIS International Executive Secretary John Moody announced the award and stated, "Marc epitomizes the essence of GMIS." The essence of GMIS! Essence quickly defined via Google search as, "the intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something, especially something abstract, that determines its character." Wow. John epitomized the essence of GMIS, as Marc continues to. Building lasting friendships, networking with peers and prudent management of the organization were John's modus operandi. He was heavily involved because he knew it was right. GMIS needed John more than John needed GMIS; a lesson for all. So don't forget our deep roots!

GMIS has deeply rooted and dedicated members – not limited to "Team Joe Turner and Rick Bazzano" (both CT), Sam Ferguson (go Illinois!), the very intelligent and very patient Rick Bareuther (NV), dedicated past International President Janet Claggett (SC), who once again is serving as the current SC-GMIS chapter president - and, honestly, it is a long list of valuable members. These people represent the roots, but also accepted the fact that innovation and vision are key ingredients to success, giving rambunctious members like me latitude to work.

Those roots provide the seeds for innovation and, just as GMIS needed John Moody, look no further than Justin Heyman as an instant parallel. Justin is the current 3rd Vice President on the Executive Board, President of NJ-GMIS - the organization's largest chapter, 2014-2015 Conference Director and content master over the last two to three years via the GMIS Knowledge Garden, Data Dive and so much more. A leader in countless ways impacting GMIS to the upside. Occasionally people are compelled to entrepreneurial persistence, rarely are people addicted and dedicated to success like Justin.

Successfully marketing our identity in 2014-2015 to the masses, assisting in obtaining sponsorships and helping lead GA-GMIS, one of our strongest chapters, enter Executive Board Member and International Director Clark Rainer. I got to meet Clark for the first time through my friend Jerry Cornish (GA). Georgia knows Jerry, and, I say again, never forget your roots! Don't forget the hard working and diligent effort of Membership Development Executive Board Member Lori Fox (RI)! Our membership numbers are the highest they have ever been in our 45 year history, with a sharp uptick in 2014-2015. Friend first and colleague second, Lori is the GMIS Executive Board go-to for member management, and she is driven by success. Not only that, if she were a boxer, she might be Floyd Mayweather. When discussion topics come up, and I haven't thought my point through thoroughly, which I do when I brainstorm, Lori is slapping those gloves together and burning me with a laser stare that Superman would be proud of ... We all need the checks and balances.

So in summation, thanks to all for a wonderful year. Although my hair cannot handle pigtails and braids anymore, remembering constructive roots contributes to the sustainability of an organization. There will be a day when your current Executive Board will be rooted in the success of the future of GMIS. I implore membership to continue to get involved in the Executive Board, as we witnessed overwhelmingly this year in Executive Board nominations during elections.

Thanks for the ride; all the credit and responsibility for the success we have enjoyed during this incredible year of GMIS goes to your Executive Board and our general membership alike. See you in Newport for a much deserved educational event in your honor! Well done, GMIS.