…breaking up is really hard to do!
Every two years AAIR holds elections for the Executive Committee, and the 2018 AAIR Annual Forum in Melbourne recently was held during an election year. At the AGM, several longstanding members stepped down and retired from the Executive Committee, and I would like to pay tribute to each and every one of them for their selfless contributions to AAIR during their term in office.
Dave Marr has been involved with AAIR for many years and was Immediate Past President of AAIR from 2016–2017, President from 2012–2016, and Vice-President from 2008–2012. He was also an Ordinary Member of the Committee from 2006–2008. We convinced Dave to stay on for one last year through 2018 after his year as Immediate Past President ended in 2017. As you can imagine, it is hard to put into words the contribution that Dave has made over the years. Perhaps, the best way I can express what Dave has meant to AAIR is that he was awarded Life Membership in Alice Springs in 2017 for his leadership and dedication to institutional research. It will be hard to imagine not having Dave around on a regular basis, but I know that he will be enjoying himself doing what he loves to do.
Andrea Jeffreys has been the Secretary of AAIR for four years, having been elected to the position in 2014. She has been involved with the Executive Committee since 2012. Most recently, Andrea also organised the highly successful AAIR Forum in Melbourne just a few weeks ago that saw the highest number of delegates for any AAIR Forum, with 170 registrations. Andrea has been tireless in her work for AAIR and I have so appreciated her organisational skills and her ability to keep things on track. I will miss her suggestions and consideration, but I know that we will be in touch from time to time.
Like Andrea, David de Bellis has been a member of the Executive Committee since 2012. Since 2014, he has been Treasurer, working on the finances for the organisation. David has steered us through audits and budgets and dealings with our bank—which haven’t been as easy as we would have hoped. Fortunately, David’s persistence, honesty and attention to process, sees us in good shape. David’s cool head and thoughtful contributions have certainly made my job easier.
Kerry Martin has been a member of the Executive since 2014. Since then, she has helped in the development of AAIR, most recently as leader of the Membership and Mailing Lists portfolio. Kerry has also enhanced our relationship with the Australian Network of University Planners. She has been a strong advocate for AAIR. I will certainly miss that advocacy and wise counsel, and her willingness to provide assistance at any time. I know I will continue to hear from Kerry, and that she will continue to be involved when she can.
Louise Hargreaves started off with us as editor of the Newsletter from 2014–16 before becoming a member of the Executive in 2016. Louise put her stamp on the Newsletter, and then went on to support Tracy Creagh and Monica Chen when they took over from her as editors of the Newsletter at the end of her term. The greatest contribution that Louise has made to AAIR was in the area of strategic planning, which has been her portfolio over the last year. She was instrumental in AAIR developing the Strategy Map and KPIs, which are now available on the website. I will miss her not only because of the impact she has had in the strategic direction of AAIR, but also for her selflessness and willing support. I know even now if I were to ask for help, she would be there.
As I have said before, involvement with the AAIR Executive Committee is very rewarding, and is also a good way of giving back to the institutional research community. Everybody has something to add so consider being involved and making a difference like these great people have.
Next time I will introduce the new members of the Executive Committee, so you get the chance to know them too.
Until then, be well and safe during the holidays.
Kathie Rabel
Acting AAIR President
