What a difference a year makes

Last year at this time, as we were headed toward the AAO meeting in Atlanta, I was mere weeks away from the start of one of the most interesting and challenging years of my life. In Atlanta, I was honored to be named your OWL president for 2009 – a special honor because I was following a woman I respect and admire deeply, Jane Aguirre.

With our committed board of directors, advisory board, committee members, volunteers and membership, I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished in the past year. In addition to the networking events we’ve become known for, we launched the new mentoring program, held the first local OWL event and unveiled a brand new Web site with online networking and professional development features.

As many of us have gone through career changes in the past year, OWL has taken on a more prominent role as the hub for making professional connections and sharing support. Our employers may change, but OWL holds us together.

This year, the very capable Pamela Gleeson will head off to the AAO meeting as OWL’s finance committee chair and president-elect but will return to her office as OWL’s 2010 president. I am excited to see how OWL will grow under her leadership.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your 2009 OWL president. You made my year.

– Yari Mitchell

Yari Mitchell is OWL’s current president and principal for FLAREMark LLC, a medical marketing consulting firm dedicated to helping companies break away from the everyday marketing noise. She can be reached at yarimitchell@gmail.com.

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