President's Message

Dear SRAPPA Members and Colleagues,

It is with deep gratitude that I begin my term as president. Much appreciation to Dan Whatley for his leadership through the past two annual SRAPPA conferences and his recent term as president. I also have firsthand knowledge of the work and dedication of the full SRAPPA Board, not just in relation to the conference but throughout the year, and am humbled to be entrusted with the responsibilities of this position. Thank you, all, for your vote of confidence.

SRAPPA 2022 was held in Tampa, October 2-5, on a modified schedule in response to the indirect impact of Hurricane Ian. We were fortunate to be able to continue with the conference, and are thankful to all the participants, presenters, and business partners who contributed to its success. As reported recently, SRAPPA has donated $5000 to the Florida Disaster Fund to aid the recovery efforts of those affected in Florida. 

Reflecting on these experiences and as confirmed by the keynote speakers, education sessions, and informal conversations, I believe that cultivating relationships is a worthwhile and timely endeavor. Therefore, my platform for this year as president is to find new pathways through reflection and connection. In this time of the ‘great resignation,’ when we find ourselves challenged with labor shortages and challenged with doing more with less, it is my hope that you will engage with SRAPPA to create greater opportunities for effective partnerships and work relationships.

If you have been a member of APPA and SRAPPA for any amount of time, you know that there are already many ways to connect with resources for professional development and continuing education. If you have attended a conference or an educational session, you are familiar with the benefits of networking with peers and business partners. I encourage you to expand your influence: invest in your teams by encouraging skills development, by championing for the self-renewal of your peers and staff, by finding ways to overcome the hurdles and fill the gaps in order to be more effective, productive and motivated. How can we collectively make this possible?

I look forward to hearing your comments and ideas. Please reach out if you have questions or if I can be of assistance, as well.

Warm regards,

Rosalba Ledezma, AIA, CEFP
2022/2023 SRAPPA President

SRAPPA 2023 • Roanoke, VA • October 29-November 2