Executive Director Update
January 23, 2012
This is another in a series of occasional ASHA Executive Director updates. These updates are intended to provide ASHA members with a more in-depth view of various ASHA programs and National Office units, key member services and initiatives, and the names and roles of ASHA staff. Information about staff changes and ASHA National Office recognitions/awards is also included.
Many thanks to those of you who have provided feedback regarding the previous updates or suggestions for future Executive Director updates.
ASHA's Special Interest Groups
Throughout 2011 the Special Interest Divisions have been transitioning to Special Interest Groups (SIGs), and I am pleased to report that the transition is nearly complete. In 2012, members of ASHA's SIGs will have new benefits and new opportunities to connect with others who share the same interests or specialty.
Receive Valuable Content, Focused on Your Interests
Members consistently indicate that their most valued Special Interest Division (now SIG) benefit is the focused information found in the targeted publications Perspectives produced by each SIG. Beginning this year, when you join just one SIG you will receive access to that SIG's Perspectives as well as access to all of the other SIG Perspectives. That means online access to more than 2,000 archived articles and over 200 new articles published each year.
Earn ASHA CEUs and Save Money
Members also tell ASHA that they want opportunities to earn low-cost CEUs targeted to their areas of interest. Look no further than Perspectives. You can earn 0.1 to 0.4 ASHA CEUs per issue for only $5, and you can take the exam online and get results immediately. If you're interested in earning more CEUs, you can easily do so by joining additional SIGs. The $5 per-issue cost applies to every SIG you belong to. SIG affiliates also receive special discounts at ASHA Convention, on select Short Courses, and discounted registration fees for ASHA's Health Care/Business Institute and Schools Conference.
Grow Your Network and Share Your Knowledge
ASHA's new online community allows you to easily connect and communicate with colleagues who have special knowledge in your area(s) of interest. You can discuss the latest issues with other professionals in a community open only to ASHA members and affiliates. You can also share documents and other resources through a private resource library. The ASHA Community is that special place for members to share and discuss professional information.
Get Involved
Besides sharing your ideas with others of similar interest, SIG membership provides numerous opportunities to serve in volunteer roles to address professional matters within the SIG and the larger ASHA community. SIG members serve on coordinating committees, write and edit articles, and are often called upon by other ASHA committees, boards, and councils to provide input on issues related to the particular SIG's area of focus. SIG affiliates have the opportunity to develop leadership skills and get more involved in our professions and the Association.
I am excited about the many new opportunities available to members and affiliates with the full launch of ASHA's Special Interest Groups. Membership in a SIG enables you to learn more about current research and trends in the field, discover cutting-edge advances in the field, better understand regulatory and legislative changes, find practical advice on best practices, and develop leadership skills.
Joining a SIG is easy. You can sign up when you renew your ASHA membership, you can call the Action Center at 800-498-2071, or you can download and complete an application [PDF]. If you are interested in seeing a complete list of SIGs or would like more information about any SIG, visit the ASHA website.
National Office Staff Updates
The following individuals are new to the ASHA staff since November 2011:
- Dawn Dickerson, Director of Operations, NSSLHA
- Lisa Marie Fields, Membership Administrator for NSSLHA
- Marty Moore, Board of Directors Manager
- (Aruna) Hari Prasad, Associate Director, Schools Services (Part-time)
- Froma Roth, Associate Director, Academic Affairs & Research Education
- Lisa Satterfield, Director, Health Care Regulatory Advocacy
- Kristina Thomas, Business Systems Analyst
- Carol Walsh, Project Manager, Practice Resource Project (Part-time)
- Wendy Wang, Web Developer
The following ASHA staff have changed positions since November 2011:
- Brandi Wilkins, Manager, CE Provider Services
The following individuals have left ASHA to pursue other opportunities:
- Joyce Burke, Account Manager, Membership & Sales
- Amy Eizeldin, Higher Education Data System Manager
- Kate Fry, Director, Political & Grassroots Advocacy
- Georgia McMann, Senior Advisor for Certification (Retired)
- Kim O'Sullivan, PR Manager
- Steve White, Director, Healthcare Economics & Advocacy (Retired)
The Next Executive Director Update
2011 Cost Savings and Efficiencies at the National Office