Serving as the 2009–2010 President of GAWDA remains one of the greatest honors of my professional career. Having the opportunity to serve as the first female president in GAWDA’s history made that year especially meaningful and one I will always cherish.
When I reflect on that time, what stands out most is the people. GAWDA has always been a family-oriented organization, built on strong relationships, trust, and genuine support for one another. It is more than an association — it is a community where lasting connections are formed. The friendships developed during my presidency continue to be some of the most meaningful relationships in both my professional and personal life.
I was incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by an awesome executive team. Their leadership, dedication, and unwavering support helped guide us through a year that brought both significant challenges and memorable successes. Every member of the team played an important role, and I remain deeply grateful for their commitment and partnership.
One of the most defining moments of my term was leading the organization through a change in management firms after a relationship that had been in place since 1947. This was a major decision for GAWDA and one that carried a great deal of responsibility. Managing such an important transition in a short period of time was no easy task, but it highlighted the resilience and strength of our leadership and membership.
I truly could not have done it without the support of the WESCO team. Their hard work behind the scenes, steady encouragement, and willingness to step up when needed were instrumental in helping me navigate this important chapter in GAWDA’s history.
While the year certainly had its challenges, it was also filled with fun times and unforgettable memories. From Conventions and meetings, to the laughter shared with colleagues and friends, those moments are what make serving in leadership so rewarding. The experiences, the friendships, and the accomplishments we shared together are memories I will always treasure.
Looking back, I remain incredibly proud of what we achieved during that year. It was a time of growth, change, and strong leadership, and I am deeply thankful for the opportunity to have served GAWDA during such an important moment in its history.
