By Lynn Linde

Coming into leadership is a lot like going to the movies to see the sequel to one's favorite film. The plot seems familiar and some of the characters are the same, yet there are always several twists and turns that are new -- and a few surprises before everything resolves itself. As I transition into the ACA presidency, however, I feel like I have come into the theater after the movie has started. Some of the things going on are quite familiar; others are new or less familiar. Some of the characters are the same; others I am just getting to know. And I understand that although I can influence some of the plot or what happens, this movie will continue on after I leave. In fact, I may never really see how it ends. This is both the challenge and the reward of leadership.

I feel very honored to have been elected. I have always felt that counseling is the best profession in the world, and ACA is a wonderful organization. I value the relationships and friendships I have developed through the years and the incredible opportunities I have been afforded. I am looking forward to the coming year and all that it will bring -- both the expected and the unexpected. I want to thank Colleen Logan, our immediate past president as of July 1, for her support during the past year. Colleen has a very inclusive style and mentored me throughout the year. I appreciate her friendship and leadership and the high expectations she set for the presidency. I also want to welcome Marcheta Evans, our president-elect, as she joins us on the leadership team.

Two activities will be occurring soon that I want to share with you. The first is the ACA Institute for Leadership Training, taking place in Alexandria, Va., July 30-Aug. 1. This is a historic event about which I am really excited. It will mark the first time that the branch, region and division leadership of ACA have had an opportunity to meet together, discuss issues of common concern, network and, perhaps, develop some new opportunities to work together. This year, we are bringing the five meetings normally held by these groups together into one large, coordinated leadership institute. I think this format holds great promise for us. As part of the institute, participants will have an opportunity to go to "The Hill" Friday morning. As a past chair of the ACA Public Policy and Legislation Committee, I believe that anytime we have that many counselors in the Washington, D.C., area, it is critically important to visit Capitol Hill. This is an important strategy for helping public officials understand the breadth of the practice of professional counselors and the myriad settings in which we work.

The second major activity is creation of the Strategic Implementation Task Force, chaired by Colleen Logan. For the past few years, ACA has been involved in a number of ongoing initiatives that have been looking at the future of ACA and the profession. This new task force is charged with taking information from the Strategic Planning Task Force, the strategic planning done by the Governing Council and the work to date of the 20/20: A Vision for the Future of Counseling group and creating a concrete strategic plan for ACA. The plan will then be reviewed and approved by the Governing Council and, hopefully, implemented by the end of the year. We have been operating without such a plan for a number of years. Although this activity may not lend itself to becoming a "sexy sound bite," it will help us focus on where we should be spending our time, energy and money.

I am really looking forward to this year, getting out and meeting more of you and seeing the wonderful things in which our members are involved. I look forward to hearing from you.