Message from Columbus Chapter Past President

Reggie Hillery

Happy New Year from the BDPA Columbus Chapter

We have finally reached the end of the year. This is a special time of year where we reflect on the highs and lows. It's also the time of the year where we start to reflect on the upcoming year. On that note, I'm excited because BDPA Columbus is about to move to new heights as a chapter. We are about to welcome a new era of leadership.

This is my last email newsletter as President of the Columbus chapter. I truly enjoyed serving as your President and helping shape the chapter into it's current form. My message for us is to "Look Forward". We sometimes have a tendency to look back on our accomplishment and defeats to own detriment. We hold ourselves back because we constantly look in the rear-view mirror of life and miss out on what's ahead of us.

Our accomplishments over the past 4 years has touched lives, changed mindsets and brought awareness to the various careers in IT. This manifest itself through our building and strengthening of the African American IT pipeline through the High School Computer program, mentoring college students and assisting IT professionals. We truly exhibit our motto "Advancing IT careers from the classroom to the boardroom".

Deborah Smedley

I look forward to the future of the organization. On the horizon I foresee exponential chapter growth, self-sufficient financial stability and impressive organization community awareness. I charge you to be a catalyst for change and growth in the organization and personal lives.

As I close my administration, I would like to say "THANK YOU" to our sponsors, members, chapter advisers and supporters. This journey has not ended, it has just begun. Let's keep looking forward and welcome the new President, Deborah Smedley and the new administration with open arms and support.

Thank you with love and happiness,
Reginald Hillery
Immediate Past President
BDPA Columbus Chapter