By Michelle Z. Pedersen
September 2013
CLEAR’s 33rd educational conference is now only days away and I look forward to welcoming approximately 450 colleagues to the conference in St. Louis. A further 125 attendees will be participating in the various training programs that will be offered, and twenty-six exhibitors will highlight resources and services to assist us in our vital mission of public protection. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Program Committee chair Deanna Williams and vice-chairs Ernie Atkins and Brian Pritchard, as well as the many other committee members who have dedicated themselves to providing us with outstanding learning and networking opportunities across the conference program.
I would also like to extend a warm welcome to the National Association for Regulatory Administration (NARA), which is holding its annual meeting in conjunction with CLEAR’s conference. We are delighted to have you with us and look forward to your involvement in St. Louis and at future meetings.
Accompanying this message is a list of activities undertaken by CLEAR during my year as President. I am particularly proud of the following significant accomplishments during a year of remarkable growth across the organization:
- A record year for membership. In 2012-13 the organization saw membership at record levels, driven by growth across the range of categories and jurisdictions represented. Whether you are a first-time member or a long-term supporter of our organization, we look forward to your involvement and to your input as we continue to serve the regulatory community this year, and in the years ahead.
- Record attendance and outstanding feedback from CLEAR’s Third International Congress in Edinburgh, Scotland. It was a great privilege to welcome 130 regulatory stakeholders to Edinburgh this summer, and to learn and engage together regarding the issues that affect the organizations representing four continents and over 50 professions and occupations.
- Delivery of one-day seminars entitled “Wielding the Big Stick: Issues in Complaints, Discipline and Enforcement,” and “Making the Most of the Media: The Regulator’s Relationship with Social and Traditional Media,” held in Toronto, Ontario and Raleigh, North Carolina respectively. The seminars brought together a range of stakeholders from across the United States and Canada and fostered focused dialog around critical topics. A number of CLEAR members were involved in the planning of the event, and I recognize their work and thank the Ontario College of Pharmacists and North Carolina Board of Nursing for graciously hosting the respective seminars.
Many of you will have attended CLEAR-sponsored offerings and events, responded to questions, developed resources or devoted time to a committee in support of CLEAR and our shared commitment to the promotion of regulatory excellence. As my presidency draws to a close, allow me to thank you for making the last twelve months so satisfying and so memorable.
The year ahead will be another exciting one for the organization. I hope you will sign up for committee service in 2013-2014 to allow new resources, programs and initiatives to be developed for the benefit of the regulatory community and the public we strive to protect. I look forward to working with you in the year ahead.
In closing, I pay tribute to the notable service given by Board Members Ernie Atkins and Jon Pellett who will be leaving the Board of Directors at the close of the St. Louis conference. I thank them for their commitment and dedication, both to CLEAR and the broader regulatory community. While we are poorer for their departure, I am delighted to welcome Darrel Crimmins to his role as CLEAR's 2013-14 President. Darrel will lead the organization with energy and commitment, and I look forward to supporting him in my new role as Past-President.
Michelle Z. Pedersen
CLEAR President