Dear ADISA Members,

An amazing success can only describe this past year and the past decade for ADISA. Those of you at the Annual Conference know that we set new records for quality and attendance. In the past decade, ADISA has quadrupled membership and tripled its budget and activities. Our advocacy efforts are second to none, and our magazine, videos, website, and best practices publications write the record for the retail alternatives space. Thanks to our dedicated board and volunteers and our hard-working staff team (full-time plus out-sourced), we daily change this industry for the better.

Membership growth over the decade:

The fact that we’re on top and growing also resonates in our spirit. ADISA has carved a reputation of excellence and friendliness; we’re democratic in our structure and proud of it. Perhaps this is the thing of which I am most proud: we have built an association that truly belongs and is in touch with its members.

This brings me to a more personal note. Next year, 2023, for me will be traditional retirement age; I’ve had a 40+ year career in association management, more than ten of them at ADISA. While I will certainly help ADISA as needed as an Executive Director Emeritus, I feel it is time for me to sunset out and usher in new staff leadership for the organization. I’ve asked the Board to consider sometime in 2023 as a great time to effect this transition, and they will begin the process of bringing in the next executive director. To this end, President-elect Underhill and the ADISA Board will start this effort in earnest next year and announce the selection process—stay tuned for further specifics as this develops. Rest assured; a smooth runway will be in the works.

And also rest assured that your association, ADISA—and we do mean your association, for we know that it is you who enable the success—will continue to thrive as it connects this industry to education, to advocacy, and, of course, to each other. Here’s to the next great decade!

Kind regards,
John P. Harrison, DBA, CAE
ADISA Executive Director