President's Podium

Résumé

My time as your CAO President is coming to an end. As I compose my

last President's Podium, I feel honoured to have had the privilege to represent our profession. The time and commitment have been huge, but I feel, well worth the effort. The profession has given me much more than I have given the profession.

I would like to take this opportunity to recognize our colleagues around the CAO Council table. From Newfoundland-Lab­rador - Doug Cote. Doug is no stranger to CAO. He served as National President in 1998 and returned to serve as the Provin­cial Councillor in 2006. His past experience has been a valuable asset and his golf tips are also appreciated. Nova Scotia sent us Henry Smit, who brings a common sense approach with a mis of humour and wit that often makes us laugh in spite of ourselves. He has all the makings of a great leader and I hope he pursues this role with CAO. Prince Edward Island's representative is Bonnie Gallant. She Is quiet and listens attentively. That is why when she speaks, she does so thoughtfully and in a proac­tive manner. From my home province, New Brunswick, comes Harry Bohnsack who joined the CAO Council when I be­came CAO President. His past experiences as NBAO President and Chair, Media Relations, are invaluable. Harry has not been afraid to speak and his insight has led to constructive dialogue. Claude Neilson fro1n Quebec has more experience around the CAO table than any other councillor, including a term as National President in 2001. Claude is a true gentleman. Quebec and CAO are very fortunate — his commitment to our profession is evident in his years of service and this speaks volumes to his character. He also appreciates good wine. OAO appointed Past-Provincial President John Mastronardi. I have come to appreciate John's no- nonsense approach. He often plays the devil's advocate. He is not afraid to discuss contentious issues and is always cognizant of what is best for our profession. I still can't believe he Is Italian since he prefers white to red wine! Denis Champagne, from Manitoba, is a classmate. His cool, calm, and collected approach made him the perfect choice to represent CAO with the Canadian Opto­metric Regulatory Authorities (CORA). He leads by example and as a result earned the respect of all hrs colleagues. He would have made a great president but chose to let other people shine. He is not only my colleague, he is my friend and I am his number one fan. Barry Thienes served on my executive and Is the representative from Saskatchewan. His attention to financial detail over the last two years will allow us to add to our reserve fund, reaching our goal of one mil­lion dollars. I have enjoyed working with Barry and I look forward to his continuing success. Tanya Sitter hails from Alberta. I personally owe a great debt of gratitude to Tanya. She was instrumental in putting the N back in the National Public Education Committee (NPEC). Tanya has the potential to be a rising star in our profession and I am looking forward to watching her shine. Last, but definitely not least, is Paul Geneau, the BCAO rep and incoming president. Our first opportunity 10 work together was with NPEC. When challenges arose, we were able to move forward in the interests of Canadian optometry. Kirsten North, our Past-President. has had a busy year balancing her practice, home life with her new baby Calleigh and her CAO duties. Her commitment to our profession is evident. We appreciate the key role she has played in moving our profession forward.

The last member of my team is our Executive Director, Glenn Campbell; Glenn retires after the Edmonton CAO Biennial Congress. Glenn's 30 years of experience have not gone unnoticed. He may be small in stature but he is a GIANT in our optometric world. Glenn deserves a medal. His composed manner and strategic approach have taught me more than you could possibly imagine. His patience is legendary and keeping me in line must have been challenging. Thank you for believing in me and agreeing to see me though my presidency.

I would be remiss if I did not mention the great staff we have at the CAO office — Claudette, Yuli, Catherine, Lise, Doug. Leslie, Cheryl and Dana. Always remember your contributions are appreciated each and every day.

I thought it would be difficult to hand over the gavel but knowing our profes­sion is in good hands makes the transition much easier. I have enjoyed every minute of my presidency and I want to thank all of my ream, council, staff and you my colleagues for sharing this great RIDE with me.

Coming together is a beginning, working together is progress and staying together is success.