As the newly installed president of the, I am fully aware that I have big shoes to fill.  My predecessor, Freda Dye, has served this region tirelessly through hosting the 2006 National Conference – on very short notice, I might add, – to bringing our region to a point of organization and solidarity.  Through her leadership this region has become a place where ideas are exchanged, support is given and genuine care and concern are the norm.

This region has been fortunate to have other incredible leadership – Ernestine Eavenson and Nancy Narrie - to name two.  Nancy is taking a well-deserved break from her duties as Certification Chair and Ernestine will enjoy a break from her duties as National Life Member Chair after this year’s national conference.

During the Executive Business Meeting of our regional conference in March, the officers attending agreed that we would try to be very intentional about involving every member in our region in some capacity in order to be inclusive of all members with the hope that new and fresh ideas would continue to spring forth.

We are thankful for the initiative of Gay Alston who arranged a one-day conference in June where many of those unable to attend the national conference this year will have the opportunity to get 5 hours toward certification. Gay has been appointed as Scholarship chair and has already begun to investigate possible grants that would make it possible for more of our members to attend both regional and national conferences.  Janet Roberta has some excellent ideas on ways that we may be able to increase our membership, as well as re-involve some members who have not been active.  Linda Burrowes is now the Certification Chair and is already doing a remarkable job in that position.  Paula Godbee is our newly installed Secretary and brings wonderful qualities to the table.  [Both Linda and Paula will be attending the National Conference and I hope you’ll take a minute to get to know them!]  Denise Faust will continue to be the Treasurer of the region and keep us straight financially.

I am very fortunate to have the help of June Denney, who has been installed as our President-Elect.  She has faithfully served as our Secretary and Communications chair and is extremely detailed and organized in her work.  I will rely heavily on June’s expertise. 

During our 2008 Regional Conference, held at the Georgia Baptist Conference Center in Norman Park, GA, four of our members received certification:  Denise Faust, Connie Smith and Linda Burrowes, Level One; and, Janet Roberta, Level Two.  All four were recognized at their respective Presbytery meetings in May.  We were thrilled to have Carol Rogers, Mid-Atlantic Region, and Nancy Stoner, Florida Region, attend the Mid-South Regional Conference.

So, let the year begin, with prayers and hope that peace and unity will rule, and that every region of APA will invite and encourage members to be a part of an organization whose very essence is to promote, encourage and educate it’s membership to grow in grace and knowledge.

In Peace and Unity,

Debbie Hamrick

President

Mid-South Region

Administrative Personnel Association

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)