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From the President

Madalena Sánchez Zampaulo
president@atanet.org
Twitter: @mszampaulo

Of all the columns one could write as ATA president, it seems the last one is perhaps the hardest to draft in terms of what to say and how to “sign off.” Nothing prepares you for the final months leading up to handing over the baton to the very capable hands of the next president and Board. It’s a “limbo” period in which you find yourself still making decisions and offering guidance, but also realizing that the next leaders will be affected by the foundation you lay. I suppose you could say this is the case for the entire term of the president and those serving on our ATA Board, but the last few months really make clear the effect one set of leaders have on the next, and thus, the Association as a whole.

If there’s anything I’m proud of when it comes to my time on the Board and my term as president, it’s the fact that we’ve evolved as an association and have demonstrated incredible resiliency. At our latest ATA Board meeting in Seattle, Washington, I heard Board members say over and over again that we’re leaving the Association better than we found it. That’s not to say ATA was in rough shape before, but rather, the goal is to leave behind an even stronger foundation on which more of the good stuff can be built for the next group of leaders and members.

Over the past few years, we’ve seen some major changes within ATA and the T&I world. Things have been shaken up, and we’ve landed on our feet. In fact, I would say we’re even stronger than before.

We made it through a pandemic with a very healthy outlook, all things considered. We’ve become a more modern association in many ways, meeting our members where they are and striving to continue to offer benefits and programs that evolve with our members. We embrace technology and offer programming that reflects an openness to possibilities instead of fear of the unknown. We have a diverse and welcoming community within ATA that is truly unparalleled.

Finally, our Headquarters team has risen to the challenge of our ever-evolving professional world. This group of professionals brings a wide range of expertise, and they’re enthusiastic about where ATA is headed. They’re creative, dynamic, and inspired, with a strong vision for a future that supports our members’ interests and the work of our Board, committees, divisions, and ATA groups. I’m confident in the team Executive Director Kelli Baxter is leading to support ATA for several years to come.

It is truly humbling when members of an association like ATA trust you to lead and advocate on their behalf. I want to thank you all for the trust you’ve placed in me over the years. From administrator of ATA’s Medical Division to chair of various ATA committees, to serving on ATA’s Board, I’ve spent nearly 15 years volunteering in ATA, serving with and getting to know some of the greatest professionals I’ve come across. I’ll continue to think of ATA as my professional home and look forward to supporting the efforts of our future ATA leaders and members.

It has been an honor to serve as ATA president for the past two years. Here’s to our beloved Association’s many more years of growth, resiliency, and success!