By Lynn Tipton, FCCMA Executive Director
Just over 20 years ago I attended my first FCCMA board meeting as the new executive director. It was both a welcoming and intimidating weekend at the same time – but it feels like it was just a few short years ago. How did the span of a generation go by so quickly? Two decades – simply amazing. Twenty presidents; twenty boards of directors – and every member has been a pleasure to know. I’m thankful and grateful for the opportunity and all that it has taught me – more than I can every say. At the conference June 2-4 at the Lake Buena Vista Hilton, you’ll join me in congratulating Casey Cook as he becomes FCCMA’s executive director. I like that Lynn Lovallo and I were the “two L’s” and now you will have Casey and Carol – the “two C’s.” Nice symmetry!
This is NOT retirement from work and I do not consider this a good-bye in any sense. I’m going to focus my attention on the FLC University, both in its Orlando location and in programs held around the state. My heartfelt thanks to all of you for letting me work alongside you in our shared quest to improve our cities and counties every day. As I’m not going anywhere, I’m counting on getting to see most of you regularly, but please know you can reach out to me in Orlando if I may be of assistance to you in any way (phone: 407/367-4025 and email stays the same).
I’ve long believed that the foundation of all associations is relationships. You build them one block at a time. The cornerstone for FCCMA is the shared commitment to the profession held by each member. The mortar holding all of us together includes some common sense, lots of intelligence and perspiration, and quite a bit of laughter to get us through tough days and weeks. Some of you reached out to me to build that first brick of relationship, while I reached out to others; together, each of these relationships are treasured. I’ll do my best to maintain and sustain each one – and I sincerely ask that you do the same! Casey and Carol are a superb team for FCCMA and I look forward to hearing continued great things about this association for decades to come. See you soon, and stay in touch.
