Leading Into the Future: A Message From the I.C.E. Board Chair
Like many of you, I invariably leave the I.C.E. Exchange renewed, energized and excited about possibilities for the future, and this year was no exception!
Analyzing credentialing challenges in new and innovative ways, learning about the latest technology and solutions on the Innovation Hall (exhibit area) and chatting with many knowledgeable credentialing colleagues is a great learning experience and a high point of the year. At this year’s Exchange, the future of credentialing certainly was a key theme and the focus of many presentations and much conversation.
Always inspiring are the presentations at the Leadership Development Town Hall and the awards ceremony. The first event highlights the promise and potential of the future leadership of I.C.E. (plus offers some terrific ideas as well) and the second recognizes the achievements and leadership of our credentialing colleagues, both those newer to the field and those who have made significant contributions over many years.
Over the past decade, I.C.E. has provided the credentialing community with a wealth of amazingly helpful tools and resources, and at the same time we are entering a new and pivotal era — a time of both great challenge and great opportunity. With challenging geopolitical issues, disruptions occasioned by new technologies and potential encroachments on the credentialing space, the focus is increasingly shifting outward.
In response, particularly in the next year, I.C.E. is focusing on growth and strategic alliances to heighten its impact in the credentialing space. This is an exciting time, but it will take each and every one of us to step up to meet the challenges before us and seize the opportunities. In interactions with so many bright and talented credentialing colleagues, I am often surprised when asked about leadership in I.C.E. Their response is, “I see others as a leader, I don’t really see myself as a leader.” Our credentialing community is replete with smart, thoughtful, resourceful people, so I often respectfully disagree with them on this point. I highly encourage them, and you, to become engaged in our community and leverage your many talents to advance our profession.
Whether you have a penchant for advocacy, a mind geared towards inquiry or a passion for outreach and connection, I encourage you to get involved. Your interest and talents are so welcome. So many in this community have so much talent, enthusiasm, creativity and innovation to bring to the table, and we would love to have your support. The deadline for submitting your volunteer applications (a member benefit) is November 17. To learn more about currently available volunteer opportunities, check out the list and submission instructions. After this deadline, you can always volunteer to serve on micro volunteer opportunities (short, project-based activities). These are great ways to engage on a project, expand your network and then get back to your busy life. Simply email I.C.E.’s staff team at any point in the year to learn more.
I look forward to all of us working together to lead I.C.E. and the credentialing community into the future!