Fellow chapter members:
It is with heavy heart that I am stepping down from my co-chair role with the Great Lakes chapter. When I started the chapter at the Rock-and-Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland 4 years ago, I intended on serving for 3 years. Over 4 years later, the energy and comradery within the group has kept me actively engaged. The memories are endless and we always struck a balance between learning and fun. We had our traditional meeting spaces in a conference room setting and at the local Microsoft office, but we also met at and toured a cider mill, toboggan park, Progressive Field, Quicken Loans arena, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Sandusky Yacht Club, Cleveland aquarium, and Castle Noel. We gave back to the community in the form of toy donations during the Christmas season, the Lebron James foundation, and inviting IT students from a local technical school to join our session and learn about the business side of NAV and project management. Our co-chair who joined the leadership team shortly after the chapter was formed, @Holly Kutil, orchestrated the first Regional chapter meeting within NAVUG earlier this and brought different chapters together under one roof over a 2-day event.
But where we met was just a small part of the big picture. Our focus was on NAV, sharing experiences and learning as a group. @Cynthia Priebe, from Liberty Grove, offered her time prior to meetings to teach classes on NAV administration, navigation, and other areas important to the group. Her voluntary contributions add to the chemistry we have and are greatly appreciated.
I can't thank the Dynamics Community enough, specifically @Mark Rhodes, @Laurie Kuehl, @Molly Fuchsel, and @Onika Allen for all their support over the years and helping to make this happen. Our success is tied to them. And a special thank you is given to all the members and presenters that have participated in the Great Lakes chapter and continue contributing. Your participation benefits the community as whole, so to all that join and support the chapter groups around the world, just know you are all VIPs and deserve standing ovations.
As Holly Kutil noted in a prior post announcing her departure as well, I look forward to the next leadership team and the direction they will take the group. @Linda Hart remains on the team as well, which is a great benefit! I still plan to attend meetings when I can – the Great Lakes Chapter will always have a special place in my heart and will always be considered family!
Many thanks and here's to a bright future ahead – thank you Great Lakes!
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Anthony Darden
Director of IT
Protective Industries, Inc.
Buffalo NY
NAVUG All-Star
NAVUG CIO Council
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