Happy New Year everyone. I wish you all the best for 2024 with lots of success in your professional life balanced by satisfaction in your personal journey.
I’ve been thinking a lot about 2024 and what is in store for us. First and foremost, we have ongoing elections, and we urge you to cast your ballot for two new members to join the board later this year. This election – and every election is critical to the organization because it is the board who makes strategic decisions regarding the future of AAA. You, as a member, can decide who you want seated on the board speaking on your behalf. I encourage you to read the bios of each candidate, check the current board composition, and determine who you think would bring diverse and complementary expertise to the table. I ask you to find the personal email that was delivered to your inbox this past month and cast your ballot electronically – it’s just two clicks away, two clicks from making a huge difference.
Why would I call 2024 the ‘Listening Year’? Well, it’s been a while since our organization established its strategic plan. It was crafted in 2017 and slightly revised in 2020. A strategic plan is essential for our organization as it serves as our road map. It helps all of us with our goals for the years ahead, and once these goals are reached new benchmarks are set. Typically, this is done every five years making 2025 our next opportunity to strategize for the future. For AAA to be mindful of your needs, we wish to hear from you. 2024 will be a good time to listen.
How are we going to do this? We will start with a virtual session sometime next month during which you will have the opportunity to discuss a few themes, answer some questions in small groups, and share your thoughts with us (more information forthcoming). Then, at our annual meeting, you will have opportunities to directly tell us how we are performing on a series of topics. Later this year, we will continue listening, offering other opportunities for you to share your opinions.
Finally, I want you to know that the board is exploring new sources of revenue to ensure that AAA can be home for the anatomical science community including bench scientists, educators, and health professionals at all levels.
It won’t be long before we are together in Toronto – make sure you have your passports and travel plans ready – I can’t wait to see you all in person soon.
Best,
Martine Dunnwald, PharmD, Ph.D., FAAA
AAA President
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA