The Board of Directors (BOD) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) met March 31, 2008, at the ASHA National Office. The following are highlights of the Board's discussions and actions taken during the meeting.
Opening Remarks
President Kate Gottfred welcomed Board members.
Executive Director Update Highlights
Executive Director Arlene Pietranton provided the following highlights:
Dedication
The dedication of the new ASHA National Office was held on March 27, 2008. The ceremony included comments by ASHA leaders, state and local civic/government officials, and leaders in the association community, along with a performance by the Multicultural Heritage Singers from nearby St. Catherine Laboure elementary school. The dedication was held at a time to coincide with the inaugural meetings of the new ASHA Advisory Councils to encourage attendance by many of ASHA's volunteer leaders – over 300 persons attended the Dedication.
Annual Staff Turnover Report
Updated annual National Office staff turnover data confirms that ASHA's staff turnover rate continues to be several percentage points below that of other DC Metro area employers.
Communications Audit
A brief preliminary synopsis of the findings and recommendations from a recently completed (external and internal) Communications Audit was provided. A key finding is that the Association has a strong communications foundation with many effective components. The report includes a number of specific operational recommendations regarding ways to better communicate the value of ASHA's benefits and services to members which the Facilitating Team and key ASHA Communications staff are now putting into an action plan.
Katrina Relief to State Associations
In the fall of 2005, the ASHA Executive Board made a decision to waive dues and certain fees for ASHA members affected by hurricane Katrina and to provide grants to the Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi state associations. ASHA received a follow-up report and thank you letter from Renae Colwick, 2008 LSHA President.
Staff Service Awards
In March, ASHA recognized and celebrated 435 aggregate years of staff service to the Association. Twelve staff members were honored for 5 years of service, fifteen for 10 years of service, four for 15 years of service, four for 20 years of service, one for 25 years of service, and one for 50 years of service – Luella Cannon, who began working for ASHA in January 1958.
Strategic Theme: The Member Experience
During this meeting, the BOD engaged in a facilitated discussion of The Member Experience, which is one of the four Strategic Themes (Pillars of Excellence) of ASHA's Strategic Pathway to Excellence. The Strategic Result for The Member Experience is as follows: “The value of ASHA membership will be apparent and enhanced member satisfaction will be the rationale for member retention.”
There are six (6) strategic objectives identified related to The Member Experience: enhance member satisfaction; increase active involvement of members; enhance financial stewardship; improve external communication; improve targeted customization of programs, products, and services; and improve technology and infrastructure.
The purpose of the facilitated discussion was for the BOD to a) analyze aspects of the member experience, b) develop a shared understanding and personal commitment, and c) inform work plans and initiatives of the Strategic Pathway to Excellence. Data on membership satisfaction from various ASHA surveys (e.g., Member Services, Job/Career, Program Review) was reviewed to inform the discussion. The BOD discussed what aspects of The Member Experience the Association should retain/build on and what aspects might be improved.
2008 Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Advisory Council Meetings
Mary Hooper, Chair of the Speech-Language Pathology Advisory Council, and George Purvis, Chair of the Audiology Advisory Council provided highlights of their meetings which were held on Saturday, March 29 and Sunday, March 30. During their meetings, the Councils discussed the roles and responsibilities of Advisory Councils, ASHA's Strategic Pathway to Excellence, the Association's budget planning process and recommendations for the 2009 budget cycle, and critical issues in the profession. The BOD engaged in a preliminary discussion of questions and suggestions that came up during the Advisory Council meetings. Further de-briefing and review of the Advisory Council meetings and the associated evaluation forms will take place by the Ad Hoc Committee on Transition, the Advisory Council chairs and the full BOD – including an in depth discussion of the mid-year status of the overall governance transition during the June BOD meeting.
Audiology Foundation of America
The BOD is considering an invitation from the Audiology Foundation of America (AFA) for ASHA to cosponsor and send representatives to a professional education program Positioning Audiology for the 21 Century.
Response to Intervention Action Network
The BOD approved a recommendation to participate as an implementation member in the Response to Intervention Action network.
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