From the Chair August 2018

On behalf of the Board of Directors, it is with much sadness that we say farewell to one of the best known faces of IAP2 Australasia, Cathy Moses. Cathy is leaving us to take on an exciting new career challenge, a decision that will see us lose a much appreciated supporter, colleague and friend.

In preparing to write this article, I asked some of my fellow Directors for some words they would use to describe Cathy. Here is just a small sample:

• Professional
• Flexible
• Committed
• Positive
• Sincere
• Warm
• Helpful
• Friendly
• Efficient
• Ethical
• Approachable.

Over her seven years with IAP2A Cathy has helped champion the organisation’s member focus, firstly through her tireless efforts in her former event management role and more recently in her role as Membership Relations Manager – a role which she was clearly made for. She also demonstrated great leadership qualities and again an untiring commitment to the organisation, when during our long search for our new CEO she stepped up to take on additional responsibility to keep the engine room of IAP2A firing.

Looking from a member perspective, we see someone who lives the ethics of IAP2, who maintains a professional approach to everything she does and who works above and beyond the call to ensure high quality, well organised events. She has always been responsive to member needs and has always strived to provide a highly positive IAP2A experience. From a Board and Management perspective, we have had the pleasure of working with someone who does not shy away from a challenge, who is honest and trustworthy, and who is tireless in her support of the organisation.

Perhaps it is the Conferences and Symposia that most will associate with Cathy. Part of the dedicated team that was first to arrive and last to leave, she was a constant smiling face at registration time, an unflappable trouble shooter during speaker sessions, and an ever-present behind the scenes organiser during formal dinners and awards events. Every year she strived to make these major events the best they could possibly be, and I think most members will agree she (and the rest of the team) did an amazing job.

Cathy also provided support to the smaller local networks. Just a phone call away, she was always only too happy to assist in supporting the organisers of these events. I am sure the local networks will miss her “nothing is too much trouble” attitude.

So, while we are very sad to see her go, we know that whatever Cathy choses to do in her career she will do to 110% of her ability and we wish her every success and happiness.

For now we say “so long” Cathy Moses, but ask that you not be a stranger and that you stay in touch with your IAP2A colleagues and friends.

All the best for your new career and the challenges it will bring.