Richard Yep, ACA CEO
W As the ACA's new program year begins on July 1, we will welcome officials, representatives of the Governing Council and representatives on committees, task forces and commissions. When Dr. Kent Butler begins his tenure as the 70th President of the ACA, the staff and I wish him and his colleagues the best in their new roles.
This will also be the first full year of operation of the ACA's Anti-Racism Commission, a group of highly qualified and experienced professional advisers who will guide our organization as we deal with organizational, institutional and systemic racism . The establishment of the Commission was one of many measures taken by the Governing Council and the immediate former President Sue Pressman over the past year to combat racism and discrimination.
The commission came into being 12 months ago with the creation of an anti-racism declaration. This was followed by the development of a task force against racism and then the approval of the Governing Council for staff to implement a nine-point plan that addresses issues related to racism and the role that advisors must play in dealing with these grievances to alleviate society.
In the months ahead you will read about the work of the staff and the ACA Anti-Racism Commission as we advance this important effort. Chaired by Taunya Tinsley, the commission also includes Monica Band, Latasha Becton, Shawn Spurgeon and Sam Steen. The staff and I are excited to work with this incredible group of individuals.
Going forward, ACA must use what it has learned from working during a pandemic to maximize the services, resources, representation and advocacy we provide to the consulting profession. We do this so that you can better serve your customers, students, and communities.
ACA is no longer the “traditional” membership organization where it was assumed that you would join the profession – without asking any questions. In fact, it's just the opposite. I encourage you to ask some (or all) of the following questions: Why should I join? What are the advantages? Will it help me in what I do? Will it make me get even better at my job as a professional consultant? Will ACA advocacy work benefit me (or those I work with)? Will ACA help me wherever I am in my career? Do I support ACA's efforts to address social and racial justice issues?
You may have many other questions. I hope that when you look at our efforts, you will find that they usually match your own efforts, needs, and ambitions. During the recently completed program year (which ended June 30th), we set a modern record for attending the ACA Virtual Conference Experience. In fact, more than 70% of these attendees have not been to an ACA conference in the past five years. Our membership has increased by 4,000, and our retention rates (those who choose to renew) have also increased year over year. Obviously we were doing something that resonated with both members and non-members.
At the beginning of a new program year, I commit myself here as your CEO. You will continue to see changes, enhancements, and improvements to ACA. We are blessed with committed, creative and hardworking employees. We want to deliver what you need.
At the end of each column, I include my contact details to remind you that the staff, the board of directors and I appreciate your contribution. I repeat that here: As always, I look forward to your comments, questions and thoughts. Please give me a call at 800-347-6647 extension. 231 or email me at [email protected]. You can also follow me on Twitter: @Richyep.
Do it well.