I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the hard work and dedication that Ambassador Paula Dobriansky demonstrated during her tenure as Chair of the WACA Board of Directors. Her expertise and interest were valuable assets in moving WACA forward and in successfully enhancing our organization's goals. I know that I speak for the entire membership and for the Board of Directors in expressing our great appreciation for her service, guidance and counsel over the years and that we look forward to her continued participation in WACA events.

Our annual National Conference in November is an important event for us, and I hope that you will be able to attend. This year's conference will help identify the major challenges that the new president may face and will provide a roadmap for U.S. leadership on the international front. As such, WACA can play a key role in the foreign policy discussions that will take place over the next presidential cycle and provide the information base for the American public to better understand the role of the U.S. in the rapidly changing international environment. 

It is important, therefore, for each of our Councils and their members to be involved in the Conference, particularly by advertising the conference and by attending. I thank you in advance for your support in these efforts.