It’s been more than a year since my first “Message from SHARE” as president, and I must, once again, start this message out by thanking someone. This time, though, I’d like to thank many someones: specifically, all of the incredible SHARE volunteers who have helped us progress the organization in the last year-plus, and who are continuing to do so as I type.

Despite the pangs of navigating through a pandemic, it is our volunteers who have gone above and beyond to do everything possible to keep the wheels turning and to continue improving upon SHARE offerings.

In reflecting on this past year, I find myself repeating a famous movie quote over and over: “If you build it, they will come.”

As we look forward to, and anticipate, “what’s next” for SHARE, all signs point to in-person. We made huge strides when it came to virtual educational events between 2020 and 2021 — thanks in no small part to our Conference Operations directors — and I am incredibly proud of our efforts. But, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t even more proud of what’s coming in 2022. First up: SHARE Dallas 2022 in March.

It’s clear to me that our community echoes my feelings on this matter, because we’re seeing more interest than even we anticipated in our first in-person event since 2020. We built it, and they are coming. I, personally, cannot wait to get back together with this fantastic community. All of the SHARE events this year will offer Virtual Access Pass registration for those who cannot make it but still want to join the fun. Of course, we’re not stopping with Dallas: Don’t forget to save the date for SHARE Columbus 2022, August 21–26. 

I would be remiss if I did not also take a moment to hail some other major, volunteer-led projects from 2021 that have had a huge impact on our Members that will continue into this new year:

• SHARE.org + SHARE’d Intelligence Websites – Undertaking a website redesign is never easy, and SHARE.org was certainly a challenging undertaking. You can read more about SHARE’s technology modernization process in Director of Information Systems Susan Rice’s April “Message From SHARE”. A shout-out is also necessary to call out Director of Industry Influence Jeanne Glass for her great work with the Editorial Advisory Committee to develop the site you’re reading from right now.
• SHARE Webcasts – I shared in my first “Message From SHARE” as president that education would be a huge focus for us, and I meant it. Director of Cybersecurity Cynthia Overby took that to heart and helped further enhance SHARE education with a series of Security and Compliance webcasts in 2021. Learn more about the series here, and rest assured that we plan to keep this momentum going into 2022. Look for even more webinars this year with even greater diversity of content.

It’s been a wild ride and SHARE has stuck around through it all, pushing to provide the best education, networking, and opportunities for industry influence that it can. I’m thrilled to pass the baton later this year, and encourage everyone reading to review the open call for candidates for the SHARE Board of Directors in the upcoming Election, which includes four Officer positions and two Director at Large positions. Contact Nominating Committee Chair Justin Bastin if you’re interested in being considered as a candidate. And, if the Board is not your cup of tea, several committees and programs are also open to new volunteers in 2022 — you can express interest in volunteering here.

Still need to register for SHARE Dallas 2022? Learn more about registration packages.