Farewell 2017…Exciting Changes Ahead

Sharon Murray
ASHA President (2016-2017)

Dear ASHA Colleagues,

It’s been an honor and privilege to serve as ASHA President for the past two years. I truly believe in the mission of ASHA and am constantly in awe of the great work our members do to improve the health and well being of children and youth. Thank you.

As we near the end of 2017, I would like to share important updates from ASHA.

Staffing and Management Transition

We have been navigating significant changes this year – the result of which will ultimately bring incredible benefit to ASHA. From October 2013 until today, ASHA headquarters has been operated by MCI USA, an association management company. This means they have managed our finances, maintained records, and provided member services and event planning. Earlier this year, after many months of analysis and discussions with MCI, we mutually decided the best thing for ASHA was to move to a different management option.

We are finalizing a contract with an organization to manage ASHA. Keep an eye out — we will announce this new partner and introduce you to the new staff early in January 2018! We will also announce the location and dates for the next conference. For now, know the Board of Directors is excited for the future of ASHA under this new arrangement. This partner organization brings a wealth of school health history, expertise, vision, and leadership to ASHA and we could not be in better hands moving forward!

ASHA Operations in December

Because today, December 6, is our last day under MCI’s management, and our new partner will start in January 2018, member services will be limited for the rest of this month. The Board of Directors is monitoring and managing essential functions and ASHA will be back in full force in the new year!

New Board of Directors and Leadership

I’m delighted to share the news that Ty Oehrtman has been elected by the Board of Directors to serve as 2018 President of ASHA. Ty has a distinguished history of service to ASHA and will provide outstanding leadership to successfully steer us into this next exciting phase! Joining Ty in Board officer positions are Adrian Lyde as Vice President, Sharon Miller as Treasurer, and me as Secretary. Additional 2018 Board members are Linda Davis-Aldritt, Michael Mann, Charlissa Quick, Wendy Sellers, Sean Slade, Kayce Solari-Williams, Deitra Weingert, Alec Fraser, and Sarah Helton.

Special Thanks

A special thank you to outgoing Board members Jeanie Alter, Beth McNeil, and Larry Olsen. Each of you has served ASHA with incredible distinction and we are lucky to have had you in leadership positions.

I would also like to thank Lee Lowery and Ashley Dowling, who served as Executive Director and Member Services Coordinator respectively, while we were with MCI. They have provided excellent service and stewardship to ASHA and we wish them well.

Final Thoughts

“Year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us.” –Hal Borland

As I reflect on this past year and consider the changes to come, I am extremely optimistic for ASHA’s future. We are poised to strengthen our national presence to advance our mission – to transform schools into places where every student learns and thrives. I hope you will continue to engage with ASHA to make this a reality.

With sincere gratitude and wishes to each of you for a healthy, happy, and prosperous holiday season and new year,

Sharon Murray, MHSE, FASHA

ASHA President, 2016-2017