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The nonprofit business leaders' network.
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Dear Friends & Colleagues
I hope you are enjoying your summer! For me, it is a time of reflection. In my final days as FAR Chair, I am reflecting on what lies ahead for our organization. As I mentioned in the last newsletter, the FAR Board has taken steps to rebrand ourselves and our marketing task force is busy this summer moving those efforts forward. It is an exciting venture and more will be shared in the coming weeks. As you reflect on what the coming membership year holds for you, please read below for opportunities for you to engage with FAR, such as attending events and participating on committees.
Our program committee is busy finishing programming for 2016; Alan Gregerman will present "The Necessity of Strangers" at the September luncheon where he invites you to "re-think the ways you engage with the remarkable strangers within your organization."
FAR leadership encourages you to find your place in our organization by joining a committee, see below for committee descriptions and the link to the volunteer interest form.
In June, FAR members elected three, and re-elected six, board members for the 2016-2018 term. At the end of August, we also say farewell to three members whose terms expire. These dedicated individuals are highlighted below; our new and re-elected board members reflect on how they hope to contribute to the success of FAR and our outgoing board members reflect on their time as FAR leaders. I would like to express my gratitude to all of our board volunteers for the time and energy they generously give to our organization! While my role will change at the end of August, I look forward to the new experiences that lie ahead during my term as Immediate Past Chair.
Enjoy the rest of your summer, relax when you can, and reflect on how you be a more engaged FAR member in the upcoming year!
Susan Medick, CPA, CAE FAR Chair
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FAR September Luncheon - Program Year Kickoff!
Save the Date - Registration to open soon!
All of us have been taught to believe that friends are the real keys to our success. But what if friends are overrated and strangers are even more vital to learning, innovation, collaboration as well as business and personal growth? In this upbeat and thought-provoking program Alan Gregerman will demonstrate how to create remarkable breakthroughs in the things that matter most by tapping a world filled with remarkable strangers, ideas and perspectives. The presentation is based on Alan's book, The Necessity of Strangers and is an invitation to re-think the ways you engage with the remarkable strangers within your organization.
At the end of the session, participants should be able to: * Have a better understanding of how innovation actually happens and how to unlock the genius in themselves and their organization.* Have a stronger appreciation of the role that strangers play in our success and how to connect with and learn from people who are different from us. * Learn some practical tools for engaging and inspiring people at all levels of our organizations.When:Wednesday, September 21, 2016 | 11:15 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Where:FHI 360 | 1825 Connecticut Avenue, NW - 8th Floor | Washington, DC 20009 Room: Academy Hall ( map) This program will be evaluated for CPE credit and for Continuing Education credit.
FAR is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding sponsors may be addressed to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors, 150 Fourth Avenue North, Suite 700, Nashville, TN 34219-2417. Web-site: www.nasba.org. For more information regarding refund, complaint, and program cancellation policies, please contact the FAR office at: 1325 G Street NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20005 or email ( hq@far-roundtable.org). There are no refunds or cancellations accepted after September 16, 2016. Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge & Apps Legal Program level is basic - update. There are no pre-requisites nor advanced preparation. It is Group-Live delivery method. Sponsor ID: 109395
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The Value of FAR Leadership
By David Keen, CPA - FAR Immediate Past Chair, Nominating & Leadership Development Committee Chair
As I come to the end of my term on the FAR Board of Directors, I have been reflecting on my time spent on the Board and realize how glad I am that I chose to serve.
When I first joined FAR, I was a CFO at a new job and wanted to build a network of peers. I heard about FAR, but hadn't given it much thought. It didn't take long to realize the value of the FAR community. I enjoyed the luncheons and slowly began to meet people, but realized like most things you get back what you put in so I decided to join the program committee. After serving on that committee for two years, Mike Tryon, then former Chair, recruited me to run for the board. I was hesitant to run because I was worried about the time commitment; however, Mike convinced me that it wasn't a big time commitment and that it would be well worth it.
Somehow that turned into being chairman of the board, and now here I am at the end of my term discussing whether it was worth it. Boy was it ever. That peer network that I was originally searching for has blossomed into more than a network; it is an expanded group of peers I call friends. Through repetitive interactions with the program committee and the board, I was able to get to know people much better than through passing conversations at the luncheons. It is rare now that I attend a nonprofit function and don't run into a friend from FAR.
In addition, board service has helped improve my leadership skills. The board is made up of experienced professionals with a variety of backgrounds, and working through issues with them has altered the way I approach decisions both at work and home. Experience is a wonderful thing, and the more exposure you can get to others who have it the better off you'll be.
Lastly, there is the feeling of satisfaction I have from contributing to the mission of FAR. That's really at the core of why anyone volunteers and tries to give back to the community. There is no one thing I can point to and say look at what we accomplished and that's OK, because I can look at the trajectory that FAR is on and feel that in some small way I contributed to FAR'S future.
So as I transition from board member to regular member, I want to encourage you to get involved in FAR's leadership. I know you won't regret it. And Mike, thank you! It was so worth it!
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FAR Board of Directors Update
Meet our new board members!
FAR members recently elected 3 new board members and re-elected six current board members. Please read below to meet our newest board members!
Leila GreenDirector, Business Operations RTCA
"I have enjoyed the programming and networking offered by FAR. As a board member, I am excited to extend the programming into new areas tackled by non-profit executives. I also look forward to growing the FAR brand and introducing new people to this great resource."
COO, American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine
"My years of involvement with FAR have granted me invaluable resources and recommendations that have charted the course for lifelong personal and professional connections. This experience motivated me to join a committed and effective leadership team and, my first board meeting that occurred a few weeks ago, validated that I made the right choice."
Jennifer Zydney Relationship Manager, PNC Bank
"I enjoy the collaborative FAR environment. I am looking forward to make an impact on the FAR Board with enthusiasm and humor."
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FAR Board Members Re-elected
Words from our re-elected board members
Matt AgrestiSenior Vice President, Bank of America Merrill Lynch
"Thank you to all that re-elected me to the board recently, as I intend to further the mission of FAR under the new branding we are revealing to kick-off the new year in September. Also grateful that the FBI background check came back clean this time and did not impact me from holding office for a second term."
VP of Systems and Finance, National Cooperative Business Association
"Very excited to be elected again to the FAR Board and especially honored to serve as the Treasurer for the year ahead! Looking forward to the FAR Breakfast and Lunch meetings and collaborating on the list service -good things are happening at the FAR and frankly proud to be part of it."
Bill Grubb Finance - Interim, Hudson Institute
Executive VP - Finance & Admin., Conference of State Bank Supervisors
"I am very excited for the opportunity to continue to serve on the FAR Board. We have been working on several key issues that I will now be able to help see to completion."
Joe Stangl
Senior Financial Officer, Air Force Association
"I am very happy to have been selected for a second term on the FAR Board. The thing that makes FAR different is its culture. I believe very strongly in this organization and in the great people who make FAR what it is. I am looking forward to working to support the leadership team and membership and to contribute to the wonderful culture that is evident at every meeting. My dedication and commitment to the organization will continue beyond my time on the Board."
Principal, West, Lane & Schlager Realty Advisors
"The programs and community of FAR is unmatched. I'm happy that I can continue to work with FAR's leadership and help build on the organization's success."
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FAR Board Members Rolling Off
Parting words from board members finishing terms in August
Loretta DeLucaChief Executive Officer, DelCor Technology Solutions, Inc.
"If me being on the board made even a small, positive impact on moving forward a great organization like FAR, then it will lessen the disappointment of having my term come to an end. I have very much enjoyed the positive energy and the comradery that I experienced along the way with both the board members and CGG leadership, and I truly appreciate the opportunity to serve. "
"Chief Financial Officer, American Psychiatric Association
"The Board is made up of experienced, caring and dedicated leaders in the non-profit community. It was pleasure serving on the FAR board and getting to know them better. I only hope that FAR and my fellow board colleagues feel like they got as much out of me as I got from them."
Cito Vanegas CFO, National Older Worker Career Center
"As I reflect back on my FAR Board service, I feel fortunate to have met and worked with such a great professional group of active and engaged Board Members. Each Board Member contributed their unique skills to help enhance FAR's mission. The network of peers and friendships I developed will continue far into the future."
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FAR Board of Directors 2016 Strategic Planning Retreat
On August 3, 2016, the FAR Board of Directors (incoming and current), along with FAR Gold Members, were guided by Seth Kahan to continue the previous year's discussion on Strategic goals. Reflecting on the work done by the FAR board over the last year, most notably the decision to hire a marketing firm and proceed with a new brand identity for FAR, Seth explored the next steps for the organization.
While FAR will reveal its new branding in September, it will also develop and enhance membership outreach efforts in the community to dovetail with this year's retreat goals.
It was a long, but productive day and showed the value of bringing both the Board of Directors and our Gold Members to the table to discuss and steer the future of FAR. The day ended with a well-earned and relaxed dinner!
FAR Board of Directors and Gold Member Representatives
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The Value of FAR Membership
By William Grubb, CPA, CPE - FAR Membership Chair & Board Secretary
As leaders in our respective organizations or companies, many of us spend time either working with a budget or helping to set one, making us sensitive to how we spend money. And, whether we're spending someone else's money on behalf of our organization/company, or our own, we know the task of weighing options and determining value. One such example is a professional membership. Often there are groups and associations that are happy to take our membership dues payment, but may not be giving us the value we anticipate in exchange. Leadership for any membership organization must consider "What are we offering?" - FAR is no different in that sense.
Now over 30 years old, and 285 members strong, FAR is unique in the DC metro area as it provides a forum for bringing together both not-for-profit and for-profit executives while maintaining a culture of "low sell, no sell" for its members and guests. It has evolved without sacrificing its goals which include providing peer to peer networking for its not-for-profit members, while highlighting the valuable resources its for-profit members bring. Also important to FAR is providing quality educational programs, most of which are eligible for CPE credit. The range of topics varies from Financial Reporting, Compensation and Employee Benefits, Investment Management, Workplace Issues, Association Governance, Insurance, Technology and more!
In addition, FAR membership offers the following benefits:
- Email Discussion List
- Holiday Party
- Nonprofit Member breakfast discussions
- LinkedIn group and Facebook page
- Leadership and volunteer opportunities
- Tap into the Expertise and Resources from companies serving the Association community
The number of members who have been with FAR for over 10 years is a testimony to the value of being a member. How do we know? Here's what member are saying...
"FAR is one of my
"go to" resources for ideas, solutions and networking with my peers. I get at least one takeaway from almost every event I attend. The FAR member discussion list is awesome and a great way to quickly hear back from my peers when I have questions about a new process, need references on a vendor or just have a general question."
"FAR continues to provide its members and guests with timely and informed exploration of some of the myriad challenges facing nonprofits today. Stimulating speakers covering issues 'ripped from the headlines.' FAR is well worth the investment of time and resources."
"While the quality education that FAR delivers is invaluable to me,
the primary benefit that I derive from FAR, that I will take with me long after my final FAR event, is the networking afforded to me, and the friends and relationships that I have developed over my 15 years of membership. Nowhere else in the DC area, but at FAR, is there a forum for networking with my peers in the Finance and Administration disciplines. And while I won't likely recall the financial trends of the past decade down the road, I will never forget the relationships I have built, and the impact that those who I have met at FAR have made in my life, and in our profession, and in the industries and interests they serve. What a life-long benefit, for such an affordable annual investment!!"
If you haven't had the opportunity to come and meet us, please contact hq@far-roundtable.org to "Be Our Guest"! Our doors are open - we'd love to meet you, too!
(For more information on FAR membership, click here.)
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FAR Nonprofit Breakfast Discussions
Our nonprofit member breakfasts are a great way to network with your nonprofit executive peers!
Thursday, September 29, 2016
Thursday, October 27, 2016
Thursday, November 10, 2016
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
Thursday, January 26, 2017
Thursday, February 23, 2017
Thursday, March 23, 2017
Thursday, April 27, 2017
Thursday, May 25, 2017
Thursday, June 29, 2017
* Dates and locations will be updated on the FAR website as event information is confirmed.
REGISTRATION FOR EVENTS WILL BE ON THE WEBSITE LATE SUMMER
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Membership Renewals
It's almost time for FAR membership renewals! Please watch your email for your renewal notice and how to renew.
Member Director Update
The annual FAR Membership Directory will be distributed to FAR members in early Autumn. Watch your mailbox!
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A few members of our FAR family are retiring this year. As they enter a new phase in their lives, here are their parting words.
Diane Taylor, Suntrust Bank (3 years) I have benefitted from the many interesting and relevant presentation topics as they relate not only to my nonprofit clients, but also to me personally and professionally. Most importantly, FAR has been a wonderful opportunity to connect with other folks in the NFP space. It is a small world.
Marilyn D. Stearn, CPC , Marilyn Stearn & Associates Staffing (30 years +) It has been a great experience being a FAR member - meeting and serving so many outstanding FAR members. The membership is friendly, professional and always very resourceful. I have seen the organization grow from a very small group to a much larger very successful organization with the top people in the DC area. for finance and administration and more! (If you want to keep in touch: marilynsrecruit@gmail.com) |
Wondering how to become more engaged with FAR? Committees are the perfect way to learn more about FAR, meet other members, and help the organization achieve its goals!
Here is a brief outline of FAR committees; we will begin forming new committees at the September luncheon, so start thinking about where your talents can best be used! When you are ready, click here to fill out the volunteer interest form.
Breakfasts
This is a subcommittee of the Membership Committee and will plan nonprofit breakfasts for peer-to-peer networking and educational discussions. Locations of breakfasts will vary.
Communications
Responsible for helping CGG staff with content of newsletters. A sub-group can focus on FAR website enhancements - re-design if necessary, etc.
CPE
This is a subcommittee of the Membership Committee and reviews materials and learning objectives for monthly educational programs offering CPE credit to ensure they meet the requirements established by NASBA, the National Board of State Boards of Accountancy.
Finance
Reviews financial statements, assists in preparation of budget, audit, and investments.
Nominating and Leadership Development
Develops a matrix of skill sets needed for board consideration and oversees the election process. Establishes recruiting and retention programs for non-profit members.
Membership
Establishes recruiting and retention programs for non-profit members. (This committee has two subcommittees: the Social Events Committee which includes planning for the holiday luncheon and other social events FAR participates in and the Mentoring Committee to welcome guests and new members.)
Program
Identifies topics and recommends speakers for monthly luncheons and programs such as CFO breakfasts, webinars, and other events. Arranges for CPEs where appropriate. (This committee has two subcommittees: Nonprofit Member Breakfasts and CPE - please see their respective committee descriptions.)
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Our members are busy! Check out the latest new about FAR member career recognition, helping in the community, and much more! ( Click here...)
Career Center
Have a career opportunity you'd like to post to the FAR Career Center? Send it to hq@far-roundtable.org! (Please send as a Word document.) |
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THANK YOU TO OUR GOLD MEMBERS
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