10/29/2023

From the Executive Director’s Desk

Greetings, OAPA members!

The vibrantly colored leaves falling outside my home office window signals Ohio's transition from October to November, mirroring the internal shift I'm experiencing as I adapt to my new role as OAPA's Executive Director. Transition, particularly following a long-serving leader's departure, can be challenging, but I'm grateful for the knowledge-sharing from former Executive Director Beth Adamson and the highly supportive OAPA volunteer leaders. While I've learned much about OAPA and the PA profession, time on the job will be my most significant teacher.

Throughout September and October, I've met with board members and volunteer leaders to learn their aspirations for OAPA's future. What struck me is the dedication of our volunteer leaders and loyal members who are eager to ensure OAPA's success. It's reassuring, especially as the sole paid staffer, to have member-volunteers so committed to supporting the organization.

There's a strong appetite for improvement within OAPA, which is limitlessly exciting to me. Members are clear in their desire for OAPA to be a force for good for Ohio's PA profession. Their enthusiasm for growth and expanding our reach is evident. They want OAPA to better serve today's PAs while preparing for the future.

My initial focus has been on strengthening OAPA's foundational structures and processes. This involves addressing financial stability and transparency, governing documentation, data integrity, and other essential but less glamorous tasks. Technical and logistical updates have been made, such as setting up a new mailing address, phone system, and transferring email and domain hosting. Software for financial management and for gathering digital signatures has been sourced and implemented, and I've spent time inventorying OAPA's physical assets and learning to use our association management software and website content management system. All of this is aimed at efficiently maximizing the 30 hours per week for which I am contracted to be a responsible steward of OAPA member dues.

In the coming months, here are some key items on my to-do list:

• Enhancing financial transparency, reducing financial risk, and identifying target reserves.
• Building the 2024 budget based on a more detailed chart of accounts for evidence-based financial decisions.
• Pursuing membership growth activities.
• Updating and expanding website content.
• Initiating and nurturing relationships with PA programs, healthcare systems, sponsors, and PA community supporters.
• Collaborating with the board to revisit the strategic plan and key performance indicators.

While I relish the challenges of nonprofit work, my primary role in life is being a mom to four wonderful kids and a spouse to an incredible partner. Jake and I recently celebrated our 19th wedding anniversary! Our kids, Lila (16), Nora (11), and twins Cole & Cori (9), keep us active with their sports, music, and other interests. We reside in Bowling Green, Ohio - a community we value as the village that has helped us raise our children, and our rescue dog, Watson.

From my desk, and my family, to yours, I appreciate the opportunity to serve as your association's executive director and wish you fall fun and a happy holiday season to come.

Tracy L. Vanneman, CAE, is the Executive Director of OAPA. She is also Co-CEO of the Vanneman Family of 6, pictured here lost in a corn maze together on a beautiful Ohio autumn day. Connect with Tracy on LinkedIn.

For more information about the OAPA Executive Director transition, see this August 2023 news story.