The Wired-Side Chat: From the Desk of the CEO - November2021
I hope this message finds you all safe, healthy, and in good spirits!
Over the last 2 years, we have worked tirelessly to set the stage for effective leadership and planning for future success and growth. In doing so, Staff and the Bylaws, Policies, and Procedures Committee have collaborated on strengthening our governance structure and operationalizing the way we serve you by recommending changes to the IACET Bylaws.
IACET is hosting a virtual town-hall meeting on December 1, 2021, from 1:00-2:00 p.m. EDT (UTC-5) to discuss significant proposed Bylaws changes that Accredited Providers and Individual Affiliates will be required to vote on.
Register now for the virtual town-hall to:
- Find out how you and your organization will be affected by IACET Bylaws proposed changes.
- Learn about how the proposed changes would impact IACET’s future strategic plans.
- Make an informed vote for IACET’s future. Voting will open immediately following the Town Hall, where instructions will be provided. An email with voting instructions will also be sent at that time.
The virtual town-hall meeting is free of charge and open to all IACET Affiliates. This interactive presentation will answer any questions you may have and provide you the opportunity to ask questions of IACETs Leadership. Presenters will include:
- Casandra Blassingame, CEO
- Kris Newbauer, Board Chair
- Jennifer Hofmann, Board Secretary/Bylaws and Policies Procedures Committee Chair
If you are an IACET Affiliate, you can preview the proposed changes in the Member’s Only Documents module of the IACET Portal (log-in required). If you are not an IACET Individual Affiliate, we encourage you to join today. Through December 31, 2021, we are offering $30 off of the annual dues. Yes, you can join today for just $99. See the Affiliate Services Corner for details and the discount code. Join us to be a part of our organizational strengthening and growth strategies.
Speaking of organizational strengthening and growth, last month, the Early Childcare Education, Petroleum and Natural Gas, Engineering, Workforce/Community Colleges, and Construction Safety Advisory Board members convened in St. Louis to inform IACET on the landscape of the respective industries. Workforce, Education and Associations, together having critical conversations and collaborating on ways to best serve adult learners.
I’ve shared that we are in the process of developing our strategic plan. This was yet another opportunity for a major faction of our stakeholders to participate in informing and affirming the work we are doing to positively impact learners all over the globe. Not only did the Advisory Board members collaborate, network, develop new relationships, but they also came together to develop the IACET Value Statement.
Like many other organizations, mission and vision statements are common. Value statements are as well. However, we didn’t have one. Not that we don’t understand the value of the continuing education and training standard, but the strategic planning process caused us to focus on the attention and necessity of its development. We need to have the ability to convey a message to seekers of the IACET Accreditation and provide an answer to the question: Why IACET? Why us?
We are looking forward to the Town Hall meeting on December 1st. I hope that you will show up, get your questions answered, and participate in the voting that moves us into a better position to serve our Accredited Providers and ultimately the learners! Happy to have you as partners and we truly consider it an honor to work with you on a daily basis.
Have a great and productive November and enjoy the Holiday Seasons!
Best regards,
Casandra
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.