Wow, where did the time go? I cannot begin to thank each of you enough for all your support, your hard work and your dedication to this great profession and NIGP. This past year as President has been such a blessing to me and I feel so fortunate to have gone through this year with so many talented professionals. Too many thanks you's for too many people who have helped me throughout the year, but some specific thank you's that I cannot go without sharing on this final day:
Rick - It is often said that when you serve as President, you truly gain an appreciation for Rick and staff. I have learned so much this past year and I have come to understand how fortunate we are to have Rick as our CEO. Rick, you made my year so much easier and so much richer. I have learned alot from you...,more than you know. You were patient, ever-ready to assist and always provided sound counsel. You challenged me and you encouraged me, particularly at key moments in the past few years in both my personal and professional life. For that, I am eternally grateful. God bless you!
NIGP Team: Each and every person on staff helped me at some point this year. We say it often, but our NIGP staff is amazing! Cam...thanks for keeping me in line...you are such a riot. Chad - my social media comrade....thanks for all your help! Tina/Brent/Carrie - thanks for your leadership with your teams. You and your teams are so talented. And for all the staff...from the bottom of my heart, thanks for all your hard work...it's been my pleasure to work with all of you!
NIGP Board: We have done so much this year together! What an adventure! Thanks for your support, your friendship, your hard work and for always being willing to discuss issues together. Each of you contributed something unique and I couldn't have imagined a better group to take this journey with. I look forward to the coming year and more great things!
Bobbie: A few folks beat me to it this morning, but I to wanted to say "THANK YOU!" for all your hard work over these years on the Board. You were very supportive this past year of me in my role, but more importantly, you've been a great contributor and leader for NIGP for all these years you have served on the Board. Whether through your sound and sage advice, or your quick wit and humor, you were always a great contributor and I have no doubts you'll continue doing many great things for NIGP and our profession. Thank you so much!!
Don: Now it's your time! We are in great hands this coming year and I am certain you'll keep us moving in the right direction. A historic moment for us as you become the first "Triple Crown" leader as NIGP President, past NASPO president and past UPPCC Chair. You can count on me for whatever you need and I know the rest of the Board and I are excited and ready for this coming year. On to Philly!!
Region 11 and my Tucson Team: You are awesome! Thanks for all your years of support! I am proud to have been elected to lead from Region 11 and hope I have served you well. For my Tucson Team, thanks for always taking care of things when I had to be gone....Vickey and Laura - you ladies are amazing friends and oustanding colleagues....thanks for all your support!!
God calls each of us to serve in different ways. I always have felt He called me to give back to this profession and I hope that I have done so in a manner that has been a positive reflection of my my faith, my profession and my family. We never quite know where a journey will take us when we take that first step in faith....I don't think I could have asked for a better journey. I have learned so much from all the many people I have come in contact with and I have grown from the many opportunities I have been given. My prayer is that my impact has been positive and that I have somehow been a blessing to others along the way. I truly could not have asked for a better year as President. It has been an honor. I look forward to continuing to serve in whatever way the profession calls me. God bless.
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Marcheta Gillespie CPPO,CPPB,C.P.M.,CPM
Official "Past President" of NIGP