Get Connected Program Preparing First Quarter Launch

The rollout of NABE’s newest program is just weeks away and it promises to bring an infusion of new approaches aimed at enriching the experiences of the organization’s early- and mid-career professionals.  Watch for the launch of Get Connected early in 2008.

A task force under the leadership of board member Chris Swann, Bureau of Economic Analysis, is putting the finishes touches on this  “community for newer NABE members.”   The program’s hallmark will be “career-enriching programs and flexible, creative activities.”

“Get Connected believes that NABE membership should be a lifelong association.  Our mission is to provide an entry point for new members to connect to NABE,” Swann said.  The group wants to become “the `welcome mat’ for new members and the pathway to help guide their association with NABE as they develop into seasoned professionals.”

The original Get Connected task force included Stephanie Wu, chairperson, Maia Pykina, Kshama Harpankar, and Kim Flood. In addition to Swann, NABE staff members serving on the advisory panel are Bruce Kratofil (webmaster), Melissa Golding (press officer), Susan Doolittle (executive director), and Pam Ginsbach (NABE News editor).  Since the September annual meeting, the Get Connected team has mushroomed and now includes Olga Camargo, Debbie Cason, Candice Hynek, Terrin Mendivil, Eduardo Martinez, Robert Kleinhenz, and Michael Warner.

The team’s plans include several components for the program, including:

• A mentoring program through which Get Connected members can link with more seasoned NABE members for career guidance
• A revamped Career Center on the website that will include a “Getting to Know You” subsection of the NABE Careers page on www.nabe.com featuring profiles of Get Connected members
• An online networking capability for Get Connected members to get to know each other and stay connected with each other
• Planned sessions or special activities in 2008 at the March Policy Conference and the 50th Annual Meeting in October, and the Professional Development Seminar in June

Swann emphasized that the mentoring program is a very important part of the Get Connected launch.  “Kim Flood and her team have done a great job thinking through implementation in NABE; and Chris Varvares, vice president of NABE, has also invested his time and thoughts to the process,” he said.

After the formal launch it will be easy for all to join, but if you would like to find out more now contact Swann at 202-606-9233 or christopher.swann@bea.gov.