We have made great strides as an organization in the first four years of my presidency. Although at times it may seem we’re traveling a rocky road, I want to assure you that all the changes and investments we’ve made to take CCSO to the next level are going to have positive results going forward. I understand that, especially after decades of the status quo, change can feel unsettling or scary. It may feel like things are moving too fast or too far, but the reality is that in order to make real progress, you often have to dismantle the old ways of doing things and start fresh. You may not see it right now, but please know that there is light at the end of the tunnel and prosperity is around the corner.

During my tenure, we’ve been able to change our course to embrace creativity and innovation — including improving our infrastructure, securing better rates for legal representation, amplifying our communications and marketing through our revamped magazine and updated website, and more. However, there’s still much that needs to be done in order to strengthen our organization and proactively prepare for the future, and I ask you to maintain the trust you’ve placed in me as we embark on this next leg of our journey. To quote The Shawshank Redemption, “If you’ve come this far, maybe you’re willing to come a little further.”

I ask you to maintain the trust you’ve placed in me as we embark on this next leg of our journey.

Moving forward on the goals I outlined at the start of this year, I promise to continue to work hard for you and strive to deliver results. Be aware that this will mean buckling down a bit as we assess where our greatest needs are, re-evaluate our resources, allocate funds in different directions, look for new ways to provide services and change the way we do business. During this time, it may seem that our progress has stalled, but in fact there is a plan in place to get us to where we need to be, and there’s a lot happening behind the scenes as we get ready to move to CCSO’s next phase. 

One major step is that you, the membership, have given us the ability to institute a much-needed dues increase that will allow us to not only sustain our operations in the face of inflation and tough economic times, but do more with the general fund we have. I intend to use those additional funds to build back to where we were before, and beyond that, to focus on being more fiscally responsible and growing a rainy day fund to help ensure our stability through whatever the future brings. I want to thank our chapter presidents for having faith in me and trusting me with this allocation of money. They didn’t have to do it, but they felt that I was doing the right thing, and when I needed them to step up and support me, they did. They spoke loudly in a 30–7 landslide vote at our Conference in April, encouraging me to continue to make this organization better. 

We view our Conference as an opportunity to show appreciation for our members and chapter presidents.

In addition to the vote approving the dues increase, our 30th Anniversary Conference in Las Vegas saw the highest participation in our history, with well over 300 attendees — nearly double our usual capacity. Together, we conducted business, heard from great speakers and presenters, and enjoyed plenty of networking and fellowship. Thank you to everyone who attended and those who dedicated so much energy and hard work to putting this hugely successful event together. So many people came up to me to express their gratitude for such a great experience. It means a lot to me that those who attended felt seen and valued for their tireless work, day in and day out. We view our Conference as an opportunity to show appreciation for our members and chapter presidents and all they do out of the willingness of their hearts. That simple recognition can go a long way in these difficult times. In everything we do, CCSO values our supervisors and strives to ensure they receive the acknowledgement, support and respect they deserve.   

In closing, thank you all for trusting in me and giving me the ability to lead our organization forward. The Board of Directors, chapter presidents and I will continue working to achieve our common goal of providing the best representation possible for our members and the best resources available to support the invaluable jobs you do.