Propelling SDPA Forward Into a Bright Future
It is truly an exhilarating moment for the SDPA as we celebrate our 30th anniversary and witness the dawn of a new chapter for the organization! I am honored and proud to assume the role of the 31st president for SDPA, and excited to collaborate with an extraordinary board of directors and dedicated volunteers in the 2024-2025 leadership year. The legacy of our past leaders casts a long shadow, and the opportunity to follow in their esteemed footsteps instills a sense of humility and a commitment to lead with unwavering integrity, passion and dedication.
As we embark on this exciting journey, I extend my deepest gratitude to each and every member for your invaluable support- please know that I appreciate you. As the premier organization working and advocating for DermPAs™ nationwide throughout their professional journeys, the future brims with promise and endless possibilities. As we shift our focus to be even more member-centric than we have historically been, rest assured that the SDPA is here for you. Your feedback guides us as we develop plans and programing that will directly benefit our DermPAs™. Our members are the beating hearts of the SDPA, and as our community continues to grow and flourish, so does our potential to make a profound impact in the lives of DermPAs™ and their patients. I have bold aspirations for the future of our organization and plans to deliver. Together, we are poised to accomplish remarkable things!
Over the past year, the SDPA has undergone a transformation, meticulously evaluating every aspect of the organization for areas of improvement. Collaborating closely with our new CEO, Krista Bower, we have made significant strides towards long-term, sustainable success. Key accomplishments include updating our bylaws, creating core values, crafting a new mission and vision statement, and devising a strategic plan centered around Knowledge, Advocacy, Leadership, and Engagement. (Affectionately known as “K.A.L.E.”, because who doesn’t love a good acronym?!). As the dust from this “construction project” settles, it is now time to align our objectives with the vision and mission of the organization, under the umbrella of our 3-year strategic plan, so that we can propel the SDPA forward into a bright future.
As we enter July, we are busy preparing for our upcoming leadership summit scheduled later this month. This annual gathering brings together the board of directors and committee chairs from across the country delve into governance of a non-profit organization, learn individual roles and responsibilities and work strategically through the plan for the years to come. With a comprehensive agenda spanning three days, we will focus on themes such as "Creating Organizational Culture," "Developing Leadership," and "Planning for the Future." I am excited for the opportunity to roll up our sleeves and dive into this summit, which has been carefully curated by our CEO Krista, our dedicated staff, and myself, and I look forward to providing an overview of our accomplishments in our newsletter next month.
I am truly grateful for the path that has led me to a career as a PA, particularly in the field of dermatology, sometimes the journey feels surreal. As I step into this role, I consider it the greatest honor of my life. The dedication and passion of our SDPA volunteers and members inspire me, as you form the heart of our organization. For myself, the SDPA feels like home and our volunteers feel like family. My hope and goal is for this feeling to resonate with all of our members. As we stand on the cusp of a new chapter and embark on this journey together, I am confident that our collective efforts will lead us to new heights. I am privileged to serve as your president and look forward to the exciting opportunities and accomplishments that lie ahead. Together, we will continue to positively impact the lives of DermPAs™. Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication to the SDPA. Here's to a fantastic year and a bright and promising future ahead!
Graciously yours,
Amber Blair, MMS, PA-C
President, SDPA Board of Directors
