Hello ATD St. Louis Members,

I hope that the summer is going well for you and your family.  We hope that you are taking advantage of these summer temperatures to get some rest and relaxation.  Hopefully, you are also able to schedule some vacation time. As we continue to observe more organizations returning to workplace, post COVID-19, we will also continue to adhere to safety protocols at ATD STL.  Due to this, most of the programing for this year will remain virtual.  Our hope is that, later in the year, we will be able to visit with you in person!

This year we have experienced changes, and this has created some vacancies on our St. Louis Chapter Board. We are always looking for talent, and currently, have two openings on the board.  If you, or someone you know, is interested in the VP of Communications or the VP of Professional Development opportunity, we would love to speak with you.  Below are the responsibilities for both roles.

Vice President of Communications responsibilities:

• Manages internal and external Chapter communications, including management of the Chapter’s website and social media channels.
• Executes an annual communication plan for the Chapter that effectively supports the purpose, image, and messaging of the organization.
• Utilizes digital platforms and social media to engage members in discussion, development, and networking; coordinates communications of the Chapter; and sets appropriate goals and performance measures for communications.

Vice President of Professional Development:

• Responsible for the planning, scheduling, and execution of Chapter events.
• Recommends topics, speakers, events sites, and activities, and manages all aspects of each professional development and special event.
• Coordinates all aspects of event planning; and sets appropriate goals and performance measures for Professional Development.

If you are interested in these roles, contact us to share more details regarding these great opportunities.  If you are interested in volunteering in general, we would also love to speak with you.  Please email our president-elect, Mary Kay Taylor (presidentelect@atdstl.org), and she can schedule time to discuss your interests in being part of this great organization. 

I would also like to feature one of our July scheduled events and recognize one of our board members at the same time.  Our very own President-elect, Dr. Mark Kay Taylor will be facilitating the Leadership Special Interest Group (SIG) meeting on July 21^st.  She will be speaking on the important topic of Succession Planning as a Strategic Initiative.  Please look at the session information listed below and register for the event.  We are extremely fortunate to have such a talented development professional on the board to share her knowledge and passion on this topic. 

Leadership Special Interest Group (SIG) Meeting -July

The purpose behind this SIG is to network with individuals that lead the L&D or OD function at their respective organizations. This is a great opportunity to network, share ideas and best practices. 

Free to members
Nonmembers pay $15 to attend effective July 1, 2021

Topic: Succession Planning as a Strategic

Initiative Time: Jul 21, 2021, 12:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Overview: Developing and retaining talent is a key priority for organizations of all sizes. How well organizations identify and develop talent through succession planning process directly effects their long-term success. This seminar provides talent development leader with strategies for creating and implementing departmental and organizational succession plans. 

Key takeaways include:

·    Identify key departmental talent.

·    Developing succession maps in support of growing and developing future department leaders.

·    Defining the role of the Talent Development in advising and guiding organizational leader sin the succession planning process.

This is a good opportunity to recognize our other board members and volunteers who have shown extraordinary leadership during this year.  I want to acknowledge these professionals for stepping up to the plate and keeping the organization moving forward.  These professionals have gone above-and-beyond during this year, especially when we are not fully staffed.  These people deserve high praise and recognition.  Dr. Mary Kay Taylor (President-elect), Christine Kostic (VP of Membership), Michelle Camden (VP of Administration), Katie McDuffie (VP of Finance), and Houston Southard (VP of Operations).  We are so excited about having all this talent as part of the ATD Saint Louis Chapter!  We have also had amazing volunteers that have assisted with scheduling and identifying speakers for our events.  Jessica Mader and Michelle Estrada – thank you so much for your efforts!  I would also like to recognize Michelle Rogers (former board member) on her involvement with the Leadership SIG, she is doing an amazing job with this group.  Your dedication to the chapter does not go unnoticed. 

Due to the uncertainty of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the board has decided not to host an in-person Learn Conference this year.  We have had several discussions and have arrived that this year, based on COVID-19 protocols, we cannot provide a safe space for face-to-face interaction at this event.  We are deeply disappointed in this decision; however, we will always err on the side of caution when it comes to your safety.  We have decided to replace it with a membership appreciation luncheon.  We are going to start working on the details, so, look for more details soon. 

Our Saint Louis ATD chapter continues to grow, and we are so excited about having new members.  In this month alone, we have added several professionals to the group.  If you are interested in learning more about your membership options, please contact Christine Kostic (VP of Prof. Development – membership@atdstl.org). 

On a personal note, we recognize that many of you are in the process of transitioning back to your offices, in some capacity.  Please be safe as you continue to integrate with your business partners, fellow employees, and the community at large.  We are looking forward to seeing you at our next event.  Thank you for all that you do!

Respectfully,

Julio Govreau

Julio C Govreau, MBA

President, ATD St. Louis Chapter