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by Dee Naquin Shafer
A rite of summer for ASHA members is approaching-the annual election for the association's leaders. "Our professions have many challenges, both professional and political, that must be addressed if we are to achieve our potential in serving our consumers," said Larry Higdon, past president.
ASHA continually needs fresh ideas and energetic leaders to step forward and work on behalf of the Association and professions, and the membership must vote for those they feel will best combine with our outstanding returning Executive Board members, he added. "All of our candidates possess outstanding credentials. Now it is time for our membership to select their voice(s) in the leadership. I think this is turning out to be a very productive year for ASHA and the professions-vote and elect Executive Board members to continue the successes."
In addition to providing better information to members, ASHA representatives profoundly affect how members practice and work, Higdon said. "It's important that the membership read and find out all they can about the candidates and their philosophies, and whether they have a broad background to represent all aspects of the professions."
Higdon noted that he is grateful for his experience as president in 2004. "Representing the professions and the membership gave me an incredible opportunity to meet and visit with people I wouldn't have known otherwise."
The membership has a great deal of expertise and experience, helping create excellence in the professions, he said. Those considering a run for office should listen long and well to the members, he added. "The primary attributes of our leaders are to listen, synthesize, and ultimately act on the needs of the membership."
Finally, Higdon pointed out that voting for leaders who will represent us is a privilege, and he believes in the old adage, "If you don't vote, you lose the privilege of being able to gripe."
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