SEAHO Report - Winter 2023 - 8

methods to achieve them. I am accustomed to the work SEAHO conducts on an annual and ongoing basis,
having served in a leadership capacity for the past decade. Currently, President Hopper has asked me to helm
a task force to examine and produce suggestions for enhancing member engagement within SEAHO. Serving
as the Conference Coordinator for SEAHO 2021, which pivoted to a virtual format due to the pandemic,
and saw over 1,000 professionals register and attend the conference, was a highlight of my professional
experiences. In 2015 I began a term as the inaugural Director of Committees where I supported the efforts
of the Committee Chairs, worked to establish the Chair-Select process, the concept of #SEAHOallyear
(alongside President Hobgood), and establish the SEAHO 10-year plan which scaffolds the work done within
SEAHO. I have also served on both the Awards & Recognition and Nominations & Election committees
for multiple years, giving me insight into some of the traditional responsibilities of those who serve in the
Presidential roles. Additionally, I have spent time on the Program Committee and the Research & Information
committee, served as the SEAHO Report Editor for two terms, and as a State Representative for a term. I am
a RELI alumnus and a two-time member of the RELI Faculty and have served as part of four conference Host
Committees.
Having recounted all of those experiences - it seems excessive, but none of it has ever felt burdensome, and
I have relished each and every SEAHO experience I have been offered, selected for, or elected. I have worked
hard behind the scenes and publicly to make a positive impact on the Association and aim to be a faithful
steward of this organization that has given me so much. With that in mind, I would posit the following goals
during my time in the SEAHO President role:
* To hold myself accountable and be held accountable while challenging others to achieve their
goals as leaders within our Association. Those who serve in leadership roles in SEAHO - from the
Executive Board to our committee chairs and state reps - need to have goals towards which they are
working, and need to be encouraged to achieve those goals. Supporting all the efforts of SEAHO
leaders has got to be the focus of the Executive leadership.
* Addressing the crisis facing our greatest resource - our people. Working closely alongside ACUHO-I
to examine and research the trends in staffing, resiliency, and resignation within housing. I would like
for SEAHO to be at the forefront of providing resources and potential solutions to help secure the
future of our profession.
* Focusing on the diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts of our institutions, members, and Association,
and to be a channel for those causes and efforts so that SEAHO can be a safe space for all those
who look to it for those purposes.
* Completing the current strategic plan, presenting the results, and facilitating the new strategic plan
for SEAHO along with the other members of the President Trio and Executive Board.
* Working to reestablish SEAHO being a year-round presence for housing professionals in the
Southeast through regular committee activity and member engagement at all associated institutions
- providing opportunities for professionals of all levels to be engaged with SEAHO.
* Maintaining the traditional strengths of SEAHO: conference hosting, programming, and attendance;
fiscal strength; partnerships with our Corporate Partners, ACUHO-I, other regions, and SAACURH;
and contribution to our profession.
Y'all, I will say it again - I love SEAHO. I have a great passion for the things I love, and I feel SEAHO has
affirmed that by selecting me as the recipient of both the Beene Memorial Service Award and the SEAHO
Founders Award for service to the Association. These were both tremendous honors for me because they
were backed by nominations from members of my SEAHO family who see my passion and dedication to this
organization. I hope that you will allow me to serve you and SEAHO through the role of President-Elect.
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SEAHO Report - Winter 2023

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