Counselors,

I’m honored to serve as your section chair this year and wanted to share a glimpse of what we’ve planned in 2024. The Executive Committee (ExComm) recently returned for our annual in-person planning session in sunny Palm Springs, and we all departed with tremendous enthusiasm about what we’ll experience in April for spring conference.

This year, we welcome three new members to ExComm to include Tammy Belton-Davis from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Kristelle Siarza, APR, from Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Sharon Wright from Ashburn, Virginia. We look forward to working with Tammy, Kristelle and Sharon to deliver member value in the year ahead.

Your ExComm has started updating our strategic framework in 2024, and we agreed to take on two new initiatives: To elevate and promote our value proposition, and to create a culture of value and belonging (DEI).

In 2024, our value proposition will take center stage: Counselors Academy is a diverse, collaborative, and trusted peer network that enables public relations agency owners and leaders to grow, lead and scale successful businesses.

We remain committed to executing against our strategic framework and delivering enhanced member value. You have our commitment to continue to bring you ongoing programming and an in-person Spring conference that delivers enhanced member value.  

Spring conference will commence on Tuesday, April 9, with pre-conference programming at 12 pm PT, and conclude on Thursday, April 11, with a closing night out in the community. We recently posted the conference agenda and encourage you to register and join us in Palm Springs before the early bird rate closes on February 23. Spring in Palm Springs is very popular, so you’ll want to register and secure your travel and accommodations soonest.

Look forward to seeing as many of you as possible in sunny Palm Springs! In the meantime, please engage and share your feedback about how we can make Counselors Academy the preeminent resource for agency leaders and owners.

Please join me in extending a heartfelt thank you to my fellow ExComm members and volunteers who work so hard every year to achieve our collective vision for the section. We accomplish so much together as volunteers and I’m forever grateful. Kudos to all of you for your countless contributions.

Onward!
John