A Message from the President
Posted by [email protected] on Dec. 15, 2021 / Subscribe 0
Happy New Year!
I just want to take a moment to wish everyone a happy and prosperous New Year. I look forward to all the extraordinary things to come. I’m in the initial months of my role as President and have been incredibly humbled by the service and dedication of my Board and committee members. I’ve been involved with SMPS for well over a decade and have learned so much from my peers and colleagues and at this point, hopefully have been able pass some useful knowledge to the up-and-coming marketing mavens.
For me, SMPS has been a learning space, a space for professional growth and a space for genuine camaraderie. Being elected President of this prestigious organization, I feel like I’ve come full circle. I always reference this Maya Angelou quote,
“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
I remember attending my first SMPS event many years ago – I really had no idea what to expect, I wasn’t from the industry nor was I from the Tampa Bay Area. I immediately felt extremely welcomed, I hadn’t even realized that some of the attendees were my competition. In that space, we were united. To this day, I treasure being a part of the organization that welcomed me in with open arms and I credit with introducing me to some amazing people who have become my professional village and more importantly my personal friends.
Speaking of my amazing people I’ve met in this organization, Michelle Casele, our Director of Programs along with our dedicated programs committee has some great events planned for everyone this year. From our staple transportation and healthcare programs to some new and exciting programs which I am very excited to see come to fruition. Between the programs that she is spearheading to the amazing Podcast she developed, Michelle is that gift that keeps on giving.
Katie Batill-Bigler, our President-Elect is heading up our Educational Programs. She has developed a monthly series called Real Talk that I’m super excited about! I’m so happy that we have folks that are truly dedicated to new and innovative settings such as Katie and her committee.
I want to give a big shout of appreciation to Amanda Wiegman, our Director of Communications. She goes above and beyond in getting all the information out to the folks that need to know, both internally within the Board and externally to our members. We certainly understand how important that is. The Board plans exceptional programs each year and we understand that communicating what we have and need in a timely and effective manner is essential for growing and prospering our organization and Amanda does an amazing job of getting it done.
Next on the list of the “Truly Amazing” is Laura Crowdis, our Director of Membership. Laura’s dedication to ensuring our members get the most out of their membership is unmatched. She has some great ideas for recruiting new prospects as well as retaining our illustrious membership base. She wants to hear from you – she’s always there with a friendly ear and really cares about our organization as a whole as well as each member of our group.
I also want to mention Kristen Downer, our Immediate Past President. She has been an incredible mentor as I served as President-Elect and continues to be a trusted advisor. She served her term as President through a pandemic that had the world topsy-turvy. She persevered with grace under pressure and continues to be an irreplaceable asset for not only this organization but for me personally – thank you for all you continue to do!
Now to the folks that keep all of us in check – our distinguished Treasurer, Theresa Greene, who’s devotion year after year has been impeccable and our Secretary, Karen Roan, who stays on top of everything that we have going on as a Chapter– which is a major task in itself! Karen does her job so effortlessly we can almost forget she’s making a record of everything we need. Theresa selflessly continues to not only keep all our finances in order but has seamlessly switched our chapter to a new and improved Chapter Management Software (Billhighway). I could not begin to explain the intricacies of that task which is why it’s so imperative to have such a trusted and honorable member as Theresa on our team. I’m so thankful to have these wonderful ladies as the backbone for our group.
Complementing this amazing Board, are our amazing committee members and advisors, for which I am grateful for each and every one of them. Some of our loyal and dedicated volunteers that help make everything possible includes Ann Schiola, Colin Parker, Andria Sartor, Andrea Statler, Cassie Rubio, Nikki Alvarado, Jennifer Nix-McGerald, Caitlin van Joosten, Courtney Caldwell, Christina Barrios, Stacy Barco, Lauren Huber, Shannon Stein, Betty Schaefer, Casey Crone, Beth Ahmedic, Susan Boda, Elizabeth Duncan, Jonathan Santiago, and Karley Fant.
Without these selfless volunteers, there would be no way to bring you the quality programs, as well as the top-tier learning and networking events that are synonymous with SMPS Tampa Bay! If you feel compelled to join us, we would love to have you – we are a “teamwork makes the dreamwork” organization and want you to get the most from your membership. Volunteering can assist you in expanding your network while simultaneously giving back to an organization that represents you!
Don’t ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own – Michelle Obama
This journey has been so rewarding thus far and I’m just elated as I look forward to the rest of my term!
Sincerely,
Dee D. Covington
Fun Facts:
Podcast I Enjoy: The SMPS Tampa Bay Podcast of course! Michelle Casale does an amazing job getting interesting insight from her guests and delivering valuable marketing tips and advice. Now that we are headed back to the office and are getting back out and about, this podcast is a great listen while in commute – with topics varying from achieving your goals to maintaining a healthy work/life balance, this podcast is a great resource and a fun listen!
What’ I’m Reading: Bamboozled by Jesus by Yvonne Orji and Shook One by Charlamagne Than God – I love learning of people’s personal stories. I get lost in people’s lives, looking for early signs of who they will become. I’m super intrigued by all humans and their journey to become who they are. I’m a big biography junkie – in book, podcast or TV form.
Personal Goal: Get my pre-COVID mojo back and reconnect. I’m somewhat of a social butterfly but I’m a bit stuck in the “in-house” mode. I love all the cute new restaurants & there is so much to do and experience around Tampa Bay that I need to jump back into. I also want to stay vigilant with my meditation. Meditation is such a great centering tool for me. With all that has been going on in the world these past few years specifically, it’s been a vital component in my journey to maintain healthy stress levels. It has been an incredible asset for my goal of increasing self-awareness, reducing negative emotions, and increasing patience. I love the Calm App but also use Great Meditation via YouTube.
Call to Action: Get your CPSM! Your biggest investment should be into yourself. This is your industry and not to be corny but the more you know…the more you grow.
What I’m Most Looking Forward To in 2022: Everything! New possibilities, new adventures, new nouns (people, places, and things)!
0 Comments