Changing of the Gavel

edited by Katherine Rosback

Kay, thanking you for the time and leadership that you have provided the club over the past two years, I am wondering about your “wish list” for IDS?

My first wish is that IDS will be led by a person with vision and energy.  That wish is already being fulfilled as Mike Dawson steps into the role as IDS President.

The next item item on my wish list casts a broad net: that IDS continue to do well what we have done well and improve where needed.  I think we are aware that volunteerism needs to grow.  There is such truth in the statement about many hands making light work.

As a last wish, I hope we are able to encourage participation in some programs which have slipped from the notice of members.  Those opportunities include Awards (the White River Novice and Youth of the Year),  scholarships available (Taylor Family), and clinic auditing (FREE for members).

As you have provided the leadership for IDS, what have you come to value most about the organization?

I value our organization because we can gather together around our love for horses.  We encourage and support each other, always seeking ways to enrich our relationships with the horses who touch our souls. Let‘s enter the next decade with the joy of horses in our hearts!  I look forward to working together to keep IDS vibrant.

Mike, welcome to your new role and thank you so much for taking on this important position! What was it that led to considering this role?

Upon my election to the IDS Board Member two years ago, I found I was most excited to contribute my effort to IDS’ schooling show program. Kay Dixon graciously mentored me as I’ve learned to become a schooling show manager and secretary. As she was nearing the end of her term as IDS President, she asked if I would consider running for the position. I am confident that with Kay’s continued mentoring, I will be able to learn to serve the club as President to the best of my ability.

What do you hope to achieve in your role as president?

More than anything, I hope to be a good steward of the Society, as I believe we are a healthy GMO which serves our members and mission well.

I would like to lead the club on an effort to build upon our current foundation success and strive for more. Taking the club from good to great will be no small task, but I believe our leaders and members are up to the challenge.

Anything else that you would like to share with the membership?

To close out 2019, I am conducting a series of one-on-one interviews with key stakeholders in the IDS community to gather wide-ranging feedback to identify where meaningful improvement can be made and to identify achievable big ideas. The information gathered in these interviews will form the basis of the discussion at the annual IDS Board Planning Meeting in February with the goal of building a strategic plan for continued improvement.

Thank you again, Mike, for taking on this role and thank you, Kay, for taking the organization to another level!