DIRECTOR DIALOGUES | ANN DAHLKE | JANUARY 2020

Happy New Year and welcome to 2020! The year is full of all kinds of possibilities for each of us. Typically, January is viewed as a time of new beginnings and fresh starts. Many of us make New Year’s resolutions to try something new or to embark on a journey of self-improvement. As you consider what new things you will try in 2020, I encourage you to keep the many opportunities IAAP offers for you to grow and learn at the forefront of your mind.

If you’ve not yet earned your Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) designation, maybe this is the year to begin your journey to certification. If you’re already certified, consider adding a specialty by taking the Organizational Management (OM) course or attending CAPstone in March. If those aren’t in your plans this year, you can still commit to earning the required recertification points to keep your designation active by attending our many branch and regional events listed in Eventbrite. Many of the events are virtual, making it easy for you to participate from the comfort of your own office or home, depending upon the time of the sessions you attend.

If improving your leadership skills is in your plan this year, you can apply to become a Branch Director, a Regional Director, or even for a position on the IAAP Board of Directors. IAAP needs strong leaders at every level. There are also many opportunities to serve locally or regionally as a Membership Chair, Social Media Chair, or Communications Chair. If you are interested in learning more about any of these positions, contact your local Branch Director or Regional Director. You can find the full list of current Branch and Regional leaders and their emails here.

There are also many opportunities to serve on various IAAP work groups and committees throughout the year. I encourage you to complete the Willingness to Serve application so when opportunities come up and positions need to be filled, the IAAP Headquarters staff is aware of your areas of interest.

Don’t forget about IAAP’s Academy for Leadership Development. In the Foundations of Leadership course, you’ll discover your personal leadership identity and learn how to shift to a leadership mindset. Frontline Leadership is designed for those who serve in a supervisory role and Enterprise Leadership is designed exclusively for admins fully engaged at the executive level. Details about each of these leadership opportunities can be found here on the IAAP website.

Last of all don’t forget about IAAP’s signature event, Summit, taking place in Orlando, Florida in July. The early bird registration fee for IAAP Summit ends on January 31. Registration numbers for Summit 2020 are already running ahead of pace for this time of the year! Register early to save money and ensure your spot in the host hotel.

Whatever you choose to do, let 2020 be the year you step out of your comfort zone and make the most of your IAAP membership by taking on a more active role.

DIRECTOR DIALOGUES | BARRETT SHAW | JANUARY 2020

Happy New Year! Now that the craziness of the holidays has settled, it’s time to look ahead at what’s in store for 2020. I love this time of year because it is so full of possibilities. There is a sense of new beginnings and a belief that anything can happen. I have spent a great deal of time during the holidays reflecting on all aspects of my life. One of the areas I reflected on was my involvement with IAAP. 2020 marks my 12th year as a member of this association. It has been a humbling journey. I am so grateful every day to be able to give back to this association that has provided so much for me over the last decade. One of the best things about membership in IAAP is the wealth of volunteer opportunities available to each of us. There is something for every interest and level of experience.


Although not everyone is interested in serving on the board of directors, I’m often asked about what I think makes a good board member. I think it comes down to passion, commitment and a willingness to share your knowledge and experience. Like all of you, I am passionate about this association. Having seen the tremendous benefits I have gained, I feel absolutely compelled to give back. When you’re passionate about something, it comes through in everything you do and every choice you make. Working together with others who share that passion sets the stage for great things to happen. Commitment is also important because taking on a volunteer role is an investment – of time, of energy and of knowledge. We all have something unique to bring to this role. Don’t overthink it! Your perspective, your experience and your ideas are wanted and needed. The best thing you can do is trust what you have to offer and be willing to share it with others.


If you’re interested in any of the volunteer leadership positions, feel free to reach out to myself or any board member. We are willing to answer questions and share our experiences with you. This is our association and we’re all committed to keeping it the premiere resource for administrative professionals. In 2020, why not consider stepping into a volunteer role and taking an active part in shaping our future.