Message from National BDPA President

Dr. Craig Brown

BDPA Family,

I am honored to be addressing you as National BDPA President. BDPA weathered the recession with the grit of its members, strong continuity of leadership, commitment to community and its dedicated sponsors that believe in the BDPA mission and vision. Because of that our brand is strong.

Today we are the largest African American Information Technology association in the U.S., and the largest national non-profit organization continually involved in training students underrepresented in STEM education across the country. As President I plan on growing the BDPA brand by putting an emphasis on gaining new membership and retention. The economic landscape is still very challenging, but as our organization changes with the times we can face new challenges and continue on a path to greater opportunity for all National BDPA stakeholders.

I propose the following main areas of focus:

1. First, increase national visibility to who we are and what we do. Showcase our success stories to help gain greater notoriety as a Brand offering solutions to the nations critical problem of skilled IT professionals and students who want to study STEM related subjects as collegiate students;
2. Second, increase our viability so that we can withstand economical shifts by staying relevant with solid programs and member value proposition. BDPA service offerings and member programs are the foundation to continuous success and are the basis for the organization Mission Statement;
3. Finally, increase the marketability of the BDPA brand. This should increase the demand for BDPA service offerings by driving more awareness about our organizations unique capabilities demonstrated for over the last 40 years.

Admittedly, this will not be easy. But nothing worthwhile ever is.

2014 National BDPA Board of Directors

I recognized up front that I needed to build a strong team. Without this, the vision that I have placed before you would not succeed. As a volunteer organization, the National Leadership Team needed to be strong enough to carry the workload of such a huge undertaking. I believe that I have accomplished this requirement. In addition to the elected officers that your delegates have selected to join the leadership team, I have added strong appointed officers that possess what it takes to accomplish the goals set by the vision that we are committed to.

Within the first 45 days of 2014 the BDPA Leadership Team has already laid out the road map for what is needed. The 1st Quarter Meeting produced outstanding plans that I believe will yield the production necessary to produce BDPA 2.0 (which is what we have 'nicknamed' what is coming soon). My goals are simple. Increase awareness to the BDPA Brand. The benefits are widespread. Vastly improve the BDPA membership 'value proposition' through improved services, stronger programs and collaborative initiatives.

Please visit the BDPA.org website and meet the National Leadership Team. Thanks for your support and I look forward to serving as your National President for 2014 & 2015.

Sincerely,
Dr. Craig Brown, president
National BDPA