The leadership baton has been passed at a number of member Councils, recently. I encourage you to come to the Spring Leadership Meeting in Georgia this month, where you will get a chance to talk with Ambassador Charles Shapiro, the engaging new leader of the World Affairs Council of Atlanta, one of WACA's fastest-growing members and our meeting's host Council. Farah Killidar, who took the reins of the influential World Affairs Council of Houston last fall, will also participate in Atlanta; her experience includes running the Alaska Council nearly a decade ago.

WACA also is embarking on leadership succession:  our Chair, Ambassador Paula J. Dobriansky, will step down at the end of her term in June, following the WACA National Board meeting in Pittsburgh. Paula has joined former Gov. Jeb Bush's foreign policy advisory team. WACA Board Secretary Rich Crepage is leading our 7-member Executive Search Task Force, which has begun to approach candidates.

Paula has contributed in so many excellent ways during her tenure as Chair. Importantly, she steered the Board through an unexpected and difficult transition period at the National Office. She has opened her network to me and provided me with superb counsel, particularly as a member of the WACA Strategic Planning Task Force.

I will present the draft Strategic Plan at the Spring Leadership Meeting on March 27 - another reason to attend! (It will be circulated to all Member Councils at the same time.)

As always, I welcome your suggestions. I'm proud of the progress that Councils are making, and I hope that you share my enthusiasm for what we will accomplish together, this spring and in the months ahead.