There is a chill in the air that not only signals the arrival of autumn but also reminds us that another eventful year of CMGMA activity is coming to an end. It has been my pleasure to serve as your president for 2011. As I look back over the past months I am reminded of the educational sessions and Expo that have passed and how much we are all looking forward to hearing Jennifer Cox speak in November.   We will again be meeting at the beautiful and picturesque St. Clements Castle for this final event of the year and I am sure we will be awarded a gorgeous, New England fall setting to hold our Annual Meeting, educational session and Networking Social later that day.

I have learned so much about the operations of CMGMA over the past several years, serving first as Program Chair and then advancing to the leadership track. I have been able to work with a great group of visionaries who always have the best interests of our members in mind when making decisions. I have been allowed to travel to MGMA leadership meetings in Denver and Baltimore on several occasions to represent Connecticut, proudly outlining our progress and successes to the other states in attendance and have been able to bring back a wealth of knowledge to extend to all of you. I was lucky enough to begin my presidential year having participated in the first ever CMGMA Strategic Planning Retreat which has provided us all the structure we will follow to retain our successes over the next several years. Working with my very talented and dedicated colleagues on the CMGMA Board of Directors has been a rich and rewarding experience and I continue to encourage all of you to consider previewing your board’s operations at an upcoming Open Board Meeting and perhaps making the decision to volunteer to serve on the board. Please consider not only how you can assist with running our great organization, but how serving can enrich your professional life, too, while also being a lot of fun at times!

As I prepare to hand off my presidential duties, I again would like to thank all of you for your support over the past year. I hope to see you all at the Castle on November 18^th when we will be announcing the new slate of officers for 2012. I know you will join me in wishing them the same great successes I have experienced this year, and more, as we all move forward working in to make CMGMA the great organization that it is.

Cathy Annulli