As we embark upon a new NSBE year, I am feeling particularly optimistic about the Alumni Extension. I think that we, as an organization, are on the brink of real transformation. And I don't think I'm alone in this belief. I've talked to dozens of members ready to move the organization forward and take NSBE to new heights; to past leaders willing to serve on committees or be of service wherever they can; and to newly elected officers at the Chapter, Regional, and National level ready to usher in this new stage in our development.

This is not to say that we can do it all in one year – of course it will take time – but with focus and commitment, and thanks to the work of our past leaders, we're now positioned to make some real inroads in overcoming our persistent issues. If the AE is successful, this can be the last year that we have more At-Large members than Chapter members. This can be the last year that we have less than 10% of the membership attending our Professional Development Conferences. This can be the last year that flagship programs like Special Interest Groups (SIGs), Try-Math-A-Lon, Entrepreneurship, and AWFE are not given the time, resources, and exposure that should be afforded them within the Society. And finally, this could be the last year that Chapters and Regions do not have the financial wherewithal to execute that programs and activities that benefit our Alumni, Graduate, Collegiate, and NSBE Jr. membership as well as the larger community.

So, for the year that you've elected me to lead the Alumni Extension, I will do my best to spotlight, and focus resources on, these 4 operational objectives: Reducing At-Large membership and Growing Chapters , Setting new standards for Conferences , Strengthening Current Programs , and Building Relationships with Sponsors . It is my hope that these areas are ones that we – the 6,000+ members of the Alumni Extension – can put our “weight” behind for the 2008-2009 year.