As we begin the new year, many of us see this as an opportunity to start fresh and commit to self-improvement. It is also a vital time to reflect on the past year—acknowledging our successes while shedding habits that no longer serve us in favor of those that do.
As I begin my term as AIA Virginia President, I am looking at our organization through a similar lens. Much like making a New Year’s resolution, the Board and I will be scrutinizing our current initiatives to ensure they deliver the highest value to you. We are committed to identifying what can be improved, what has run its course, and what is currently missing from our toolkit.
Like any resolution, we have the best chance at success if our goals are realistic, measurable, and—most importantly—guided by the Mission and Core Values of AIA Virginia.
To that end, our Board will convene in a few weeks for a two-day retreat to begin crafting our next Strategic Plan. Our aim is to approach this with open minds. We will conduct a thorough assessment of our current reality, identify our strengths and weaknesses, and target new opportunities for growth. From there, we will define specific action plans—including clear responsibilities and timelines—and establish KPIs to measure our success.
This strategic plan will not be a document that sits on a shelf. It will serve as our “North Star” for every decision we make as an organization. I am honored to be a part of this process and look forward to providing you with an update after the retreat.
Lastly, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve as your President. My sincere thanks go to Meagan Jancy for her exceptional leadership and mentorship last year. It was a pleasure “riding shotgun” with her; I hope to match the level of commitment and dedication she continues to provide to this organization.
Sincerely,
Bill Hopkins, AIA
AIA Virginia President