A Look To The Bright Future of ESA

It is amazing how time flies! I am amazed that nearly two years have passed since I took the position of President and now Chairman of ESA. This role, like many others, came with facing certain challenges and during my position, I had the opportunity to learn how to navigate the Covid-19 Pandemic. Despite this, it has truly been a pleasure to serve in this role. Albeit one of the least of the hurdles of all those Chairs that came before me, so I feel as though I got an easy term. Light on travel, heavy on volunteer involvement, and an incredible ESA team. Saying “thank you” to the entire ESA team is not enough for the incredible support they offered. 

As I get the opportunity to now write my last article as Chair I will now turn to the future. This is the true nature of an organization, not the past. ESA has a bright future with amazing leadership coming in. John Loud is one of the most intelligent, dedicated, involved, and energetic leaders I have ever had the opportunity to work with. His ability to focus on so much at once is dizzying and I honestly thought I had the market on energy. I can tell you ESA is just on the rise. If the engines were just ignited again after COVID, watch out because John is taking us to space! I believe there is a lot to accomplish going into the future and engaging volunteers is going to be key to the future of ESA. Although the association has so many ideas about what we should do to engage volunteers, the question is really to you, the volunteer, what do you want to do? What is it you want out of ESA?  

This is a reality that I don’t know a way to get around. No matter how much we may try to get something for nothing, the most you will ever reap from any organization is what you are willing to put in. I would ask all of you to consider your passions and ask questions of ESA. My line is always open, and I know Merlin’s is as well. I don’t want to tell you what ESA can do for your company because our marketing team does a great job of doing just that. ESA will not only provide value but prove it! My question to you is, what aren’t we doing that would pile on value? What would you like to see ESA do? Silence is a killer so please don’t be shy! My cell number is 360-815-2771 and my email is [email protected]. I would like to hear from you about what we can do better. The only thing I ask in return is to be willing to serve to help accomplish it. Serving doesn’t have to mean a lot of time but it does involve commitment. So please commit to make a better industry.  

Thanks for the time and support.