CLEAR President's Message - October 2022

While the seasons might be changing, I continue to reflect on CLEAR’s 43rd annual conference, held in Louisville, Kentucky last month. From the Churchill Downs bugler who called us to order with a rendition of My Old Kentucky Home, to the inspiring and thought-provoking sessions, allowing us to learn from regulatory peers, there was much to be proud of, and thankful for. However, what stood out most for me was the opportunity to spend time together, as members of the CLEAR community, meeting in person for the first time in so long.  

Now our thoughts turn to projects that will support CLEAR’s new strategic plan, including the creation of a standing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, whose ‘forever work’ will be led by chair Staci Mason and co-vice chairs Daniel Roukema and Marc Spector. Other committees will continue their work on new educational offerings or ensuring our remaining programs can be accessed online as well as in-person. Elsewhere, committees will plan the content for future events, or share information and develop resources related to measurement and testing, international issues, and regulatory administration. Work will soon get underway, so if you are a CLEAR member, and haven’t already done so, please consider joining one of our committees. 

Next month we will be unveiling CLEAR’s new website, which will further streamline the user experience and improve accessibility on mobile devices. Stay tuned for more details about how to create a new user profile and account. Shortly thereafter we’ll be moving CLEAR Communities to a new platform, again improving accessibility on mobile devices, and enhancing the functionality of this important resource. 

As demand for CLEAR’s training programs continues to grow, we are keen to welcome new faculty members to provide instruction and reflect the diverse populations CLEAR serves. If you are interested in learning more about becoming an instructor for any of CLEAR’s training programs, please contact Jodie Markey at jmarkey@clearhq.org and (859) 687-0262. 

CLEAR also welcomes your session proposals for next year’s annual conference, taking place September 27-30 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Conference content is developed by and for members of the regulatory community, with one aim: to promote regulatory excellence.Sessions are focused on four distinct areas of inquiry: Regulatory Administration and Governance; Compliance, Discipline, and Enforcement; Testing and Examinations; and Entry to Practice Standards and Continuing Competence. More information is available online or by contacting Virginia Shapland at vshapland@clearhq.org and (859) 687-2876.  

Session proposals will be considered by members of CLEAR’s Program Committee, which next meets in person in Savannah, Georgia from January 12-13, 2023, following the organization’s Winter Symposium a day earlier. Each of CLEAR’s committees will meet during this timeframe, together with CLEAR’s Board of Directors. CLEAR’s 2023 Winter Symposium is an opportunity to consider the strategies and initiatives regulators are undertaking to continuously improve, while maintaining an environment supportive of both our work and the worker. I do hope you will join us for what promises to be a fascinating event.  

In the Spring I look forward to welcoming you to Ireland where CLEAR’s Seventh International Congress will take place at Dublin Castle, preceded by the Regulatory Research Day. Programs for both events are being finalized and registration is now open. Join us in the Emerald Isle for both events which run from May 3-5, 2023. 

It is a privilege to lead the organization at such an extraordinary time in its history. I do hope you’ll join us in our shared mission to promote regulatory excellence and look forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming events. 

Line Dempsey 

CLEAR President