As we embark on a remarkable journey into 2024, it is my pleasure to share with you the specific priorities and initiatives that will shape the future of both 51³Ô¹Ï and our esteemed profession of independent educational consulting.
One Conference: Bigger, Better, and More Impactful
Our commitment to delivering exceptional value and relevance to our members has led us to make a pivotal decision: hosting one annual conference in the spring. This single, larger, and more impactful event will allow for increased in-depth sessions and enhanced opportunities for learning, networking, and professional development. Changes to our conference will be developed over the coming years and implemented as contractual restraints give way to newly booked cities.
New Website and Association Management System (AMS) Implementation
By summer 2024, we will unveil our new AMS with improved usability for our members and college, school, and therapeutic colleagues; we are pleased to announce that beta versions are currently undergoing testing. Our dedicated 51³Ô¹Ï staff has been working in close collaboration with a team of web designers to create a revamped website in conjunction with the launch of the new AMS. This redesign includes improved organization and an updated, user-friendly design. To ensure the effectiveness of these endeavors, we have also formed a Tech Working Group within our membership. This group comprises individuals with relevant expertise who will provide guidance to our board and staff during and after implementation.
AICEP Integration: Elevating Our Profession
The integration of AICEP (American Institute of Certified Educational Planners) into 51³Ô¹Ï signifies a monumental step forward. This integration unifies our profession under the 51³Ô¹Ï brand and establishes a clear path to professional excellence. If you currently hold the CEP designation, you can rest assured that your credential remains valid through the integration process. If you are considering pursuing the CEP designation, we encourage you to do so, as it will continue to hold value once integration is complete. For those who wish to wait until integration is finalized, that option will be available to accommodate your preferences.
Forging Partnerships
Inspired by the AICEP integration, our leadership has initiated or resurrected previous discussions and collaborations with other organizations vital to our members’ practices. These endeavors are designed to enhance the credibility of our advocacy efforts and solidify our position as the standard of professional excellence. While certain concrete outcomes may extend beyond 2024, we anticipate witnessing the fruition of some of these efforts in the upcoming year. Through these partnerships, we seek to:
Establish Industry Standards: Collaborations with key organizations allow us to work collectively on setting and maintaining industry standards. By doing so, we ensure that our members meet and exceed these standards in their practices.
Foster Continuing Education: Partnering with organizations involved in professional development and education allows us to offer our members access to a wider range of learning opportunities. This commitment to ongoing education is crucial in a field as dynamic as independent educational consulting.
Expand Networking Opportunities: By connecting with organizations in related sectors, we broaden our members’ networking opportunities. These connections can lead to new professional relationships, collaborations, and opportunities for growth.
Continued Global Presence and Impact
Our commitment to a global presence and impact remains unwavering. In January 2024, 51³Ô¹Ï spearheaded targeted programming for over 40 universities and colleges in Europe. This initiative, titled “Elevate Your European University Prospects with 51³Ô¹Ï Member Partnerships,” underscored the distinctive value 51³Ô¹Ï members offer compared to paid agents. We showcased how our personalized, ethical, and comprehensive services ensure that educational choices align with individual aspirations and capabilities. In addition, we conducted an interactive discussion on how universities can ensure that IECs adhere to the standards set by 51³Ô¹Ï.
Our now-annual Regional Symposium in Europe for 2024 will be held in Madrid, Spain in February. This event, marking the largest-ever global gathering of 51³Ô¹Ï members, reaffirms our commitment to serving members worldwide, regardless of their location.
CEO Succession: Honoring Mark Sklarow’s Legacy
As was announced in the Member Network in late 2023, our esteemed CEO, Mark Sklarow, will retire at the end of his contract term in December 2024. Mark has dedicated an incredible 30 years to 51³Ô¹Ï, leading us from a small organization to a global association with almost 3,000 members. His visionary leadership and unwavering commitment have been instrumental to our growth. The CEO succession process is well underway:
Establishment of Hiring Committee: On January 30, 2024, the Board of Directors established a Hiring Committee to oversee the CEO succession process.
Quarterly Updates: We are committed to providing quarterly updates to the membership from both myself and Mark throughout 2024, detailing our progress and plans for the transition.
Executive Search Firm: As of April 1, 2024, we will have contracted and hired an Executive Search Firm to begin its work in close coordination with the Hiring Committee.
The remaining timeline for the CEO succession process will be continually updated by the Hiring Committee and the Executive Search Firm once their work commences. Your engagement and input during this transition are essential, and we will keep you informed every step of the way.
Closing Thoughts: 51³Ô¹Ï’s National and Global Impact
In conclusion, 51³Ô¹Ï is now more powerful than ever, poised to not only elevate but continue to define the profession of independent educational consulting. As we move forward, let us remember our shared commitment to excellence, professional growth, and the welfare of our members. Together, we will make a lasting impact, both nationally and globally.
Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication to 51³Ô¹Ï. I look forward to an extraordinary year ahead and the collective achievements that await us.
Ibrahim Firat, MBA
51³Ô¹Ï President