“20 years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the one’s you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain
It is with this spirit of adventure and excitement that I say hello to you as PRISM’s soon-to-be executive director.
You may have heard from PRISM about the transition to a new executive director and new staff. If so, I can imagine what you may be thinking: “How can they hand the reigns over to someone without ties to this industry, and without the years of experience that Jim Booth has?”
Let me answer that question with some observations. I’ve been working with the PRISM Transition Committee intensely for the past six weeks. I’ve seen dedicated volunteers who are passionate about PRISM, its members and the commercial information management industry. These leaders have donated countless hours to ensure your executive director and staff have the support and information we need. They also have made some tough decisions requiring personal sacrifice for the sake of PRISM and the industry. This is why I love associations—I get to watch leaders do what they do naturally!
I’ve also seen a dedicated PRISM staff work hard to make sure PRISM members are well-served right up until their last day in the office. I had a great deal of respect for Jim Booth and his team months ago when I first started to learn about PRISM, and that respect has grown since. They have been gracious and generous. While incoming staff is appreciative of this, PRISM and its members will benefit the most.
I’ve also seen the talented incoming team roll up their sleeves and eagerly plan ways to achieve PRISM’s goals and dreams. We are keenly aware that PRISM has succeeded thanks to a lot of hard work and selfless dedication of volunteers and staff. That is a precious legacy we take seriously.
You know Jim Booth as great source of information in this industry. I will not pretend that I will acquire Jim’s 12 years of experience in two months. But, with your help, I will learn quickly and work to ensure we continue to provide the direction and advice you have come to expect from PRISM.
I’m excited about some changes you will see at PRISM in the next few months, including a new online newsletter, a digital version of InFocus, fully integrated e-commerce on the website, a new and improved member community—and that’s just the beginning.
Please join me in “throwing off the bowlines” and dreaming a bit.
Dave Bergeson is the incoming executive director PRISM International, Chicago, and can be reached at dbergeson@prismintl.org.