The Wired-Side Chat: From the Desk of the CEO - April 2021
Spring is in the air and the outlook is sunny! I hope you all are doing well and continuing to successfully manage a healthy work-life balance. This month is busy here at IACET as we prepare for the upcoming conference and leadership changes.
Kris Newbauer Elected as Next Board Chair
Congratulations to Kristopher (Kris) Newbauer who was elected by the Board as the Chair-Elect of the IACET Board of Directors. Kris is the Chief Human Resources Officer/Head of Global People & Talent (formerly Human Resources) of Rotary International and has served IACET since 2009. John P. Hewko, CEO of Rotary International, an IACET Accredited Provider since 2008, and Kris’ boss offered, “As a humanitarian service organization that cares deeply about education and development, we’re honored to play a role in the leadership of the world’s leading accreditor of continuing education and training and in advancing the global workforce. Congratulations, Kris, and much continued success to you all as Kris leads IACET into the future to survive, thrive, and arrive!”
Kris will be installed at the September 2021 Annual Board meeting along with four new Directors (ballot forthcoming) following the Annual Conference. He follows our current Chair, Andrew Kauser’s incredible leadership that he has provided IACET for the last two years as Chair and the last seven years as a member of the Board of Directors. During Andrew’s tenure, he has served on the Personnel Committee, Nominations and Elections Committee, Bylaws and Policy and Procedures Committee, and the Executive Committee.
Annual Conference Registration is Open
Speaking of the Annual Conference! Registration is now open! The IACET 2nd Annual Continuing Education and Training Conference: Innovating Then. Innovating Now: Setting the Standard for Quality will be held September 21-22, 2021 at the Hyatt Regency (use Group Code G-ICAE) in Reston, VA. We are looking forward to celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the CEU with keynote speakers, breakout sessions, an exhibit hall, networking receptions, and a Gala to bring it all home!
This event will not only be in-person, but it will also be available virtually – powered by BeaconLive, our newest Corporate Affiliate and LiveStream conference sponsor! BeaconLive, LLC is committed to enabling virtual events and exhibit, eLearning, continuing education, and certification solutions by providing a fully managed service that delivers a seamless and complete workflow. Get your name in front of the industry. Learn how you can be a sponsor today by contacting Dee Wells at dee@iacet.org. Conferencing and events have changed and because we are a leader in an industry that is constantly evolving, so will the way we do business and learn!
Welcome Fundraising and Development Team Volunteers
If you remember, we were supposed to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the CEU in 2020. Since we could not do what we planned (you know what they say about the best laid plans), we decided to make it a year long celebration! We have established a fundraising and development team of volunteers – William Allen and Marianne Moore! This dynamic duo will lead our efforts in raising friends and funds for the Grover J. Andrews Endowment Fund so that we can continue to fund research in continuing education and training. Learn more about this dynamic duo in the “Friends of IACET” Corner of the Newsletter.
Be an IACET Leader: Volunteer for a Committee, Taskforce, or Advisory Board
In closing, I want to remind you to sign-up for Committees. Log-in to the portal and find a place from where you can lead! I also want to remind you that as much as you are here for us, we are purposefully designed to be here for you. Let us know how we are doing and what we can do for you to make your customer experience even better. Email us at info@iacet.org. Staff will ensure your message reaches the right person to respond!
Thank you for being a part of this incredible industry and making a difference in the lives of people around the globe!
About the Author
Casandra Blassingame, MEd, is the Chief Executive Officer of the International Association of Continuing Education and Training (IACET). She is a recognized leader in adult and continuing education and has over 20 years of experience in higher education, continuing and professional studies, and workforce development. Prior to joining IACET as CEO, Casandra was the Vice President of Education Services for the American Gear Manufacturers Association where she led the organization’s effort in achieving and maintaining IACET accreditation. She has also served as an IACET commissioner, reviewing dozens of applications, and an IACET Board Member.