My goodness, isn’t this a sizzling hot summer here in Orange County?

Hot news here at the ICF-OC is that we have just accepted Beth Griffith, CPCC, as our new Publications Director and she will be taking the lead for next month’s newsletter, Insights, and for any publications that she is sure will be advantageous for you to receive. That makes three new Board members in the last three months; last month we had Elaine Provencher join us as our new Marketing and PR Director and already she has us thinking outside the box in marketing our wonderful little organization! Lydia Welton is our new Programs Director and has taken the reins with grace and clarity.

I am positively thrilled with the quality of professionalism and the mood of joyfulness we share on our Board and I am honored to be a member of such an esteemed group of people. I’ve been told that if I wish to become expert in something, to hang around someone who is expert in that particular area of interest. Our Board is such a group of experts and I am growing like a weed being a part of it! If you are interested in offering a couple of hours a month on one of the varied committees, go look up one of our committees on the ICF-OC website and then come join us. You can find a list of positions at http://www.icforangecounty.org and click on News and the Available Board Positions link. We’d love to have you!

While you are thinking about how heated up you might be these days, think about the hot plans we have for our very Special Event in August! Personally, I have never been to an event such that our Board has organized for us this coming month and I’m very much looking forward to it. First, we have a panel of experts from USA based *Accredited Coach Training Programs* schools. The panel is prepared to answer any and all general questions in regards to what certification programs their schools have available for any level of coach ready to begin the credentialing process via the global International Coach Federation. Not only will representatives be available to answer questions from coaches just beginning their certification process but also for coaches who are looking forward to what’s next in the future of our continued learning and will be available for graduate program questions. We will then have a delicious Sports Club buffet, where we will be able to network and schmooze with each other. The second part of the evening will be a round-robin at different tables. Each of the ACTP representatives will be accessible at one table to answer individual and personalized questions that are not easily asked in a panel setup and then there will be a rotation to the next table. You will be able to gain insights into what each school will best fit your needs. Go to www.icforangecounty.org and click on Events to find out more!

Have you noticed, too, that Steve Mitten, the 2005 President of the ICF global organization is offering a free teleclass in September? Check out our website at www.icforangecounty.org, click on Events Special Programs for more information.

Thanks to all of you for ‘showing up’ as great as you do at our meetings and for the contribution that you are to our Chapter. YOU are the reason I am always willing to step up to the plate and be the President you are requesting me to be. I love the growth you are offering me to explore as both a person and as a coach. Thank you.

Big hugs to you!
Patricia Hirsch, MCC, MBA, RN
2006 President, ICF-OC Chapter