January, 2009

Dear GPA Members,

It has been a privilege and an honor to have served you as President. I am pleased about the accomplishments that have occurred over the last two years, although I certainly cannot take credit for them. This belongs to hard-working, talented and dedicated board members! We have:

• conducted two very impressive and successful annual conferences (increasing attendance each time—Cudos to Donna Crick, Jo-Ellen McDonough, and Lynn Witherspoon and their supporting teams)
• revised the website with a very updated organization and appearance (Cudos to Peggy Hotz),
• expanded our membership (Many helped with this and accomplishments below),
• recruited new board members who have given us greater geographic and multi-disciplinary representation (Hats off to Beth Lambertz-Guimaraes!), and
• scheduled and obtained March of Dimes funding for presentation of Cultural Competence in the Care of Reproductive Families in south Georgia, northwest Georgia and Atlanta areas. We are especially pleased to have the collaboration of the March of Dimes, board members, local members, and hospitals in providing these workshops.

As I move from the position of President to Past-President, I surely am glad this is not farewell, but just a change of roles. It is such a pleasure to work with the board and members across the state that care deeply about the health of mothers and infants. We have many challenges and must continue pursuing advocacy and education efforts toward improving the lives of families and their children.

Warm regards,
Sandra