When I was approached run for Chair-Elect two years ago, I was reluctant. I was not hesitant about the opportunity to chair the association that has given me so much these past years, but hesitant because we had just learned my father was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of cancer. When I expressed my reluctance and the reason, I was assured that I would be supported no matter what. I was concerned that I would not be able to provide the time, energy and leadership that this great association deserves and that so many before me had valiantly provided. Little did I know that many of my fears would soon become a harsh reality.

So here we are, two years later. I served my term as Chair-Elect and now ending my term as Chair. I have learned much about love, loss, fear, friendship and kindness.

And while I know I have not been as visible and energetic as I would have liked, I learned a few more things—that this organization is worthwhile… it is filled with people who care and who are not afraid to show they care, it is strong and it is (luckily) self-governing. I learned that leadership is more than a label or a role, it is a philosophy. I learned that everyone is a leader in their own way. I learned that being a member of this association means more than Financial Aid, regulations, workshops and a conference. It is about volunteerism, giving, generosity, sharing and teamwork. What I would like to impart to you, the future leaders of this association, is this—be a leader, be involved, show that you care and mostly be kind.

I think it is important for you all to know that I did get the support that I was promised. Not only was I flooded with support, but also encouragement. I would also like to say thank you to all of you who have shown me outright kindness and understanding. Your notes and emails have sustained me through this difficult time.

So, what is my point? My point is this—many of you may also be reluctant to get involved, be on a committee or even run for office. I urge you to look beyond that. This is an organization that supports itself and its members. Not only that, but it needs you.

I know our new Chair, Rich Heath and the Executive Board, will lead this organization and provide wisdom and value in the year ahead. So go ahead, get involved… The Future in Now!

Sandy

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DE-DC-MD ASFAA Executive Board 2004-05
Chair	Sandy Brown	EDFUND
Chair Elect/Finance Committee	Rich Heath	Anne Arundel Community College
Past Chair/Nominations and Elections	Bob Foultz	Suntrust
Vice Chair/Conference Chair	Ingrid Valentine	American University
Secretary	Elizabeth Urbanski	MHEC
Treasurer	David Manning	National Education
Delaware President	Chris Koterba	AES
District of Columbia President	Brian Lee Sang	American University
Maryland President	Rachel Brinkley	Educaid/Wachovia
Awards and Scholarships	Sharon Hassan	Goucher College
Development	Susan Stitely	Frederick Community College
Electronic Services	Patricia Rhodes	Towson University
Federal Relations	Sarah Bauder	University of Maryland
	Beth McSweeney	University of Maryland – Baltimore
Historian	Jacqui Daughtry-Miller	Independence Federal Savings
Long Range Planning	Janet Walker	Medix School
Membership	Laura Gagnon	Mount St. Mary’s College
Newsletter	Melissa Gregory	Montgomery College
Organization and Governance	Molly Burdusi	University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Professional Development & Training	Melvina Johnson	National Education
	Lynn Lee	Harford Community College
Community Service	Pat Shoemaker	Anne Arundel Community College
College Goal Sunday	Cissy Van Sickle	Bank of America