b'NEWS: CHAIRMANS REPORT 2021CHAIRMANS REPORTI n what has been a challenging year for many, I take confidence from the fact that we are closer to the end of this pandemic, than the start. During these difficult times, it has been wonderful for so many of our members to be able to turn to colleagues in other institutions for advice, support, networking or mentoring. This is the true value of Educate Plus.While it is regretful that the International Conference was postponed in September, we are pleased that we have been able to seamlessly move to a new date at the same venue in Adelaide. The new dates of May 30 - June 2, 2022 will hopefully see us in a new world of fullfy vaccinated individuals and back to doing what we love in this environmentseeing people face to face; networking; socialising and enjoying each others company.At the end of this year we farewell our long serving, CEO, Neil McWhannell. I have had the pleasure of knowing Neil very well for most of his ten years of service to the organisation. I first met Neil as part of the planning committee for the 2014 International Conference that was held in Melbourne.I have long been impressed with the nature in which Neil undertakes his role. I believe he has been perfect for the position. He is a wonderfully charismatic individual who loves the company of others.He is an outstanding public speaker and commands an audience effectively a trait we need to have with such big audiences at our events.He is a doergetting the job done quickly, efficiently and diligently. He has a shrewd strategic mind and has been able to make significant changes, along with the board over the past ten years, including:Re-branding the organisation from ADAPE to Educate PlusSignificantly growing the membership base from just over 600 to over 2000 membersDeveloping and delivering the Certified Advancement Practitioner Training programDeveloping a stronger and sharper Marketing presence through our communications, website and F2F magazineIncreasing the number and quality of corporate partners to the organisation significantly assisting those businesses at the same time. While we continue with our recruitment for a new CEO, it would be remiss of me not to congratulate Neil on an outstanding period of service and to thank him for positioning Educate Plus as the leading organisation for Advancement professionals in Australia and New Zealand. Thank you Neil.Working with Neil and handing over to the new CEO, the board is intent on delivering its strategic priorities that have been documented at the commencement of this year. Specifically, the key priorities are:1.To develop alternative revenue streams2.To develop leadership programs for both current and aspiring members3.To further invest in resources and systems to future proof the organisation4.To further enable data driven decision making through the efficiency of detailed reporting. I wish you all a wonderful and restful holiday break. I cant wait for 2022!R U S S E L L D A V I D S O N F . E D P LU SEDUCATE PLUS CHAIRMAN 2021NOVEMBER 2021 7'