“ The role of a leader is not to come up with all the great ideas. The role of a leader is to create an environment in which great ideas can happen.”
PHOTOGRAPHY AND STYLING BY ECHO STARMAKER.
— SIMON SINEK
IN MY NEARLY THREE DECADES AT ISPA, it has been clear how every leadership transition is a stepping stone— a continuation of purpose, shared by steady hands across generations. I have had the privilege of working alongside dozens of Chairs and have a special place in my heart for each of them— yes, even the challenging ones!
This year’ s officer election was no exception in reminding us how fortunate we are. We are thankful for the willingness to serve— and reassured by the sense that there was no wrong choice. Time and again, our Board affirms a truth we’ ve come to rely on: We receive exactly what we need, exactly when we need it.
The ISPA Board continues to set the standard for selfless governance. Our passionate and dedicated volunteer leaders thoughtfully elected their incoming Officers, and during a productive meeting in Salt Lake City a few weeks ago, the always-authentic Kelleye Martin passed the Chair baton to Kenneth Ryan.
We are optimistic about the road ahead. When you’ ve worked alongside remarkable leaders as I have, you understand that transitions aren’ t partings— they’ re partnerships. They build on one another, sharpen one
With my and my cute husband’ s fur babies Colter Bay and Moose Wyoming McNees. another. Like the Simon Sinek quote says, they create space where great ideas can happen. I feel lucky to be in such good company— and grateful, too, for the opportunity to make lifelong friends and mentors along the way. As one treasured past ISPA Chair, Garrett Mersberger, always reminded the board:“ Iron sharpens iron.”
LYNNE MCNEES, ISPA PRESIDENT
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LYNNE WALKER McNEES