Welcome to spring in Ohio everyone! Here that could mean anything from 6” of snow to 75 degree days and tornado warnings. For ALAO, spring means opportunities for member engagement.

Krista McDonald

Board elections are fast approaching. The Nominating Committee did a great job of recruiting a terrific slate of candidates this year, and now it’s up to our members to stay engaged and cast their votes. Please watch your email for the election ballot in the coming weeks.

Our Interest Group Co-Chairs have been hard at work planning their annual workshops. Several have opened registration already. Please scroll to the IG section of the newsletter for workshop dates and descriptions as well as registration information where applicable.

The Interest Groups will soon be seeking new Co-Chairs for the 2017-2018 year. These positions are a great way to become involved with ALAO and network with colleagues who have professional interests similar to yours. Watch your email later this spring for announcements describing the role of the Co-Chair and telling you how to volunteer.

Finally, I’d like to encourage our members to join the ALAO Mentoring Program. We are looking for both mentors and mentees. The Professional Development Committee provided details about the program in their section of the newsletter below and provided a link to the sign up form. I have been both a mentor and a mentee in my career and have benefitted greatly from both roles. This is a wonderful way to get support if you are starting your career or find yourself in a new role, and it’s a great way to give back if you are at a more advanced point in your career.

I hope all of you will take advantage of these opportunities to engage with ALAO this spring!

-Krista McDonald, President, Miami University Hamilton