By Michael P. Cass, Northern Section Director, January 22, 2024
Welcome to 2024, Northern Section! In my message to you at this same time last year, I wrote about how 2023 would be Northern Section’s Year of Transition as we emerged from our shared pandemic experience, enjoying the familiarity of re-engaging as we had in the past and welcoming new emerging ways of working and connecting. In 2024, we look forward to leaning into new opportunities to serve our members and our profession.
Last year marked the first full year we emerged from the pandemic, which was highlighted by a number of transitions in the Northern Section. This transition was kicked off by our “New Year, New Northern” event aboard the USS Potomac in Oakland. Notably, the Northern Section appointed 17 new Board Members, bringing innovation and energy to the Northern Section. We recruited a new Communications team, many of whom contributed to this issue of Northern News. As part of those changes, we also officially launched our new logo and website.
On the administrative front, we launched a multi-year effort to develop the Northern Section’s first strategic plan by adopting our Section initiatives. And we launched our new Sponsorship Program, which garnered immediate support from M-Group, Rhoades Planning Group, and Somos Group. All this was done while continuing to provide our expanded awards program, educational programming, and networking opportunities.
Looking ahead, the Northern Section has a number of exciting changes planned. As discussed above, the Northern Section Board will prepare and adopt our first Strategic Plan, developing a roadmap for our organization for years to come. We also will be fully immersed in planning the 2025 APA California Chapter Conference (see article on how you can get involved).
Our Board is excited to work for and with our members. As always, please reach out if you would like to get involved. Here’s to building our Northern Section together!
Michael P. Cass, Director
APA California – Northern Section