Chair’s Corner – Oct. 2016

October 2016

By Theresa McConeghey, Principal

When I stop to think about the current activities at NADP, one word comes to mind: “transitions.” There are both internal and external transitions that will have a tremendous impact on our organization for years to come. These transitions often bring about important changes as well.

First, NADP has experienced some important transitions and changes within our own organization this year.

• Leadership of NADP has transitioned with the election of new Board members and new officers. This important transition brings fresh perspectives to our organization’s leadership. I am truly honored to serve a second year as your NADP Board Chair with Ron Bolden (CIGNA) as Vice Chair, Kate McCown (Ameritas) taking over as Secretary and Stacia Almquist (Sun Life) continuing as Treasurer. We look forward to the input that our new Board members Jeff Album (Delta CA) and Dr. Mary Lee Conicella (Aetna) bring to our discussions.
• Volunteer participation has also transitioned with the addition of new members to our commissions and workgroups. Our new volunteers offer added talent, insights, and creativity to advance NADP’s High Level Initiatives of the Strategic Plan and ongoing program oversight.
• We’ve also had important changes in member engagement opportunities that go beyond service on traditional volunteer groups through:
  • Launching the Government Funded Programs Member Interest Group (MIG), providing an avenue for members to be involved in the advancement of our industry and interact with one another on common challenges. Unlike a traditional NADP volunteer group, MIGs rely completely on volunteers’ leadership and organization. They operate without staff liaisons and provide guidance to NADP about possible educational topics.
  • Creating a DSO Advisory Council to enhance communication between plan and dental support organization (DSO) members and to provide Associate (DSO) members with a voice at the board level of NADP. Unlike traditional volunteer groups, the Council acts in an advisory capacity to the NADP board; whereas volunteer groups oversee and/or execute policy initiatives and NADP core program services.
  • Transitioning the FAIR Health WorkGroup from a volunteer group to MIG because there has not been a need for regularly scheduled meetings or calls for this group in the past two years.
  • Hosting a highly successful Advocacy in Action, our inaugural Congressional fly-in. This new program offers NADP members a powerful, new opportunity to participate in NADP advocacy efforts.

Likewise our industry anxiously awaits the transition of leadership in government following the 2016 elections. At this juncture, we must be prepared for the likelihood of either Democratic or Republican leadership in both Congress and the Administration. I am happy to report your NADP leaders have given careful thought and consideration on both scenarios and have developed the necessary connections to be prepared for either possible outcome. To help you digest the probable impacts of the 2016 elections, NADP is presenting an educational webinar on this topic on Nov. 15. Please see the related article for registration details.

Transition and change can be positive forces. I am excited about the changes within our organization and have every confidence we will continue to advance our industry in the new political landscape following the 2016 elections. NADP’s success is powered by the involvement of our members and volunteers. I thank each of you for your continued commitment to our organization and look forward to working with you next year. As your NADP Board Chair, I’m interested in your thoughts about our association and volunteer groups. Should you have any comments or concerns about the NADP, please contact me at tmcconeghey@nadp.org.