It is hard to believe that my time serving as your ITE International President is coming to a close. When I think about the past year, I am reminded of my favorite quote from Ferris
Bueller: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” Over the past 11 months, I have made a conscious effort to stop, take a breath, enjoy my surroundings, and be fully engaged at the various District meetings across the country. I have traveled by plane, train, automobile, bicycle, and my ever-present feet. I have visited some of my favorite places but have also visited others for the first time. Through it all, I have tried to make the most of every experience so that I don’t miss anything, and have enjoyed seeing how each District celebrates their uniqueness through their program and social events. Serving our members has been an unforgettable experience.
I want to thank the International Board of Direction for their tireless service this year. You have shared your insights from your Districts’ perspectives, and have provided valuable input to our initiatives to ensure that diverse voices from across our organization are represented. You have walked the talk of serving your constituents and our membership as a whole, which is not always easy. I also want to extend my gratitude to the ITE staff. Your commitment to our mission and inexhaustible energy help ensure that things get completed behind the scenes, questions get answered, problems get solved, and meetings run smoothly!
I would be remiss if I did not thank our volunteers. You are the lifeblood of ITE! You give your creativity, passion, and precious time in service to your profession, your colleagues,
and your communities. Through your efforts you share a wealth of experience and practice through meetings, sessions, newsletters, technical tours, webinars, informational reports, Recommended Practices, handbooks, Quick Bites, and so much more. Our members rely on you to help them be better at what they do. Having served in many volunteer positions over the years, I know what it takes to make the volunteer’s job look effortless. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
I look forward to a new year for ITE and am excited to see plans for our expansion begin to take shape. Our diversity and inclusion efforts will look to reach other organizations and help attract more students to our profession. Our student to young member initiative will continue to make connections so that the bright minds in our colleges and universities see ITE as their professional association of choice and a place where their ideas and commitment to excellence will be valued. I am particularly excited about our new initiative to encourage transportation planning professionals to join our ranks. Through our collaboration, we can help to ensure our communities are prepared for whatever faces them in the future.
I encourage any member who has ever thought about serving in a leadership position with ITE to seriously consider the opportunity. I have mentioned many times that my path to
ITE International President started when a colleague asked me to help with an ITE project. I challenge each of you to invite someone to the table or raise your hand yourself. You will join a terrific family, and you will not regret it. I remain your humble servant. Keep in touch with me on the ITE e-Community or on Twitter: @BeverlyKuhn.