Chair’s Column

By Kerri Williams

In my final column as Suzuki Association of the Americas Board Chair, I first want to express my appreciation to our Executive Director, Angelica Cortez, and the SAA Staff members for their dedication to the SAA, and for the phenomenal job they do in providing for and responding to the needs of this organization and its members. Also, it has been a privilege and an honor to work with those Board members with whom I have collaborated during my Board term of service. This opportunity has enabled me to meet and interact with many SAA members, from iconic teacher/leaders to “newbies.” Thank you all for the challenges, the encouragement, the learning and the support!

Among the priorities during my Board service was to develop a board that included dedicated individuals with expertise beyond that of music education to support the operation of this organization. Our current Board is diverse in its members’ contributing expertise, and includes those with significant Suzuki experiences and connections who are not teachers. 

Another goal was to “update” our organization’s strategic plan (the last one on record was from 1994!). Much gratitude to those of you who took the time to respond to the strategic planning assessment surveys. A summative report is forthcoming, and those in our organization’s leadership are dedicated to implementing the recommendations gleaned from this process.

As a result of the strategic planning process, the Board is better equipped to revise its policies and governance models. While generalized governance principles provide a structural model, the uniqueness of each organization requires personalized applications as the organization evolves in achieving its purpose. The SAA is no different, and its development is permissibly consistent with one of Dr. Suzuki’s mantras, “new idea!”

The results of the strategic planning process will enable a framework from which the organization can meet and respond to some of the desired improvements indicated by our members and leaders. Some of the wish-list development items were outlined in the last ASJ issue, and they included efforts to support expansion of the SAA community and its access, inclusivity, and effectiveness in music education.

As I consider my own professional and personal wellness by replacing my set-aside time for Board work (well, at least the intent to consider wellness is there!), I am grateful for the strong leadership team that is in place for this new fiscal year. Please continue to support and encourage Chair Lynne Oliverius, Chair-Elect Ingrid Tung, and the entire SAA Board of Directors as they volunteer their time and diligent efforts to support our organizational agenda and our executive director as she and her staff support you, the members of the Suzuki Association of the Americas. 

Particularly in this issue, I could borrow the traditional Vulcan (Star Trek) farewell, “Live long and prosper!”