Heraclitus observed, 2,500 years ago, “The Only Constant in Life Is Change.”  In the past few years, nearly every person on earth has been impacted by change.  Changed by the worldwide pandemic, the explosion of technology, and instant and continuous communication, just to name a few.  We often think of change as a bad thing as expressed by, “What’s wrong the way we have always done it?” or “everything was better in the good old days.”  Although change can be uncomfortable, even scary, it is often positive and necessary.  Benjamin Franklin noted, “When you are finished changing, you are finished”.  AACE is subject to this same idea, when we finish changing, we are finished.  Happily, AACE is not finished changing.  Not change for change’s sake, not changing to fit a fad, but changing to adapt to and embrace the many new opportunities the changing world affords.  Recent and ongoing initiatives that exemplify AACE’s spirit include a recent strategic planning session and the Section Project.

Strategic Planning

Recently, a group including members, headquarters’ staff, and the Board of Directors completed the first steps in reenergizing the strategic planning process for AACE.  Note that this is called a planning process and not a plan.  The expectation is that the process will be continued on an annual basis to help ensure that programs and services continue to meet the overall goals, objectives, and priorities of the association.  A comparison used by the strategic planning facilitator, that clarified this idea for me, was the difference between a map and a GPS system.  A map is an accurate tool when it is made and can give a route to your destination at the point in time and under the circumstances that existed when the map was made.  A GPS system does what the map does, but it can also adjust for traffic problems, road construction, and other unexpected conditions that require an adjustment to the route.  Ultimately, both the map and the GPS can get you to your destination; but the route, timing, and efficiency may be much different.  Therefore, using a GPS system instead of a road map, is the main goal of our strategic planning process.

During the process, the group identified the core values of AACE, the key drivers, and guiding principles.  The values, drivers, and principles were then analyzed—based on their impact to AACE/members, project stakeholders, the industry, and the public at large. Key takeaways include:

• Increasing the scope and reach of AACE
• Ensuring that all members and potential members feel included
• Promoting the value of AACE
• Maintaining and enhancing the technical, educational, and certification products that form the core of AACE

I think it is safe to say that the group believes the first step in the process was a great success.  Look for more to come from this process in the upcoming months.

AACE Section Project

Work continues on the goal to increase member engagement by examining and reimagining our Section structure.  The discovery phase is complete, and a diverse member task force is in the process of visualizing and designing option(s) to optimize Sections to sustainably meet member needs.  Recommendations are expected to be delivered to the Board of Directors before the end of the year.

Although the formal recommendations are still forthcoming, several key takeaways are worth noting:

• The traditional concept of a local geographic Section remains important for some members and will certainly continue.
• At the same time, the traditional concept of a local geographic Section isn’t relevant for others, and we need to build on how members exchange technical information, network with fellow professionals, and leverage educational opportunities.
• Interaction with AACE in a virtual or hybrid delivery style is here to stay.
• Member engagement and activity should be our key metric for success rather than simply the member count.
• Current Section members and leadership, along with members not affiliated with a Section, are eager for new ideas.

The energy and excitement about the Section Project are real and palpable.  During a recent networking event, the positive comments and enthusiasm were pervasive throughout the session.  Also, I was recently contacted by a long-time member, section officer, and member of the Section Project, that stated, “This is the most satisfying experience of my AACE membership.”

I think it is clear that AACE members are embracing and communicating the idea that when you are finished changing, you are finished.  I am encouraged and proud to say the leadership and staff are listening and hearing the message. I can’t wait to see the results of all these efforts.