Executive Director’s Report

By Darlyne Erickson. CAE

2021…Moving Forward

I cannot tell you how excited, I am that we find ourselves coming close to the end of the COVID yellow brick road. It’s been a tough year, but I will say that MFDA has weathered the COVID storm, and we are on firm ground! In large part, it is because of YOU the members. Thank you for continuing to support the association with your membership and participation. You have stepped up, not only for MFDA, but most importantly for the families you serve in ways that I can only imagine. Thank you!

CHANGES IN THE WIND….

This year we are saying goodbye to four board members who have each served six years (2 terms) on the MFDA Board. Lance Peterson, Tim Anderson, Marquis Madison, and Scott Benson. I cannot begin to express my appreciation for their participation and support. We have had ups and downs over the years, but our trajectory is more up than down at this point in time, and we can thank these individuals for starting that upward swing. Now the good news. We have four new board members to take the reins. Allison Cease Fleahman (District 10), Kyle TeBeest (District 4/5), Jordan McReavy Seitz (District 6/7), Kevin Satre (District 2), and we welcome back Jeff Hartquist (Past President) to District 3. Three of these four individuals are graduates of the MFDA Leadership Program. There have also been some changes in our office personnel. Many of you had conversations with Sue Sack over the last five years. She was our accountant and made the decision to retire last month. Being the meticulous person she is, it was not before she had a chance to train in Maria Olaez who has picked up the reins and is doing a great job! The rest of the crew… Miki Tufto, Kathy Sheridan, Amy Beckham, and myself, have no intention of going anywhere!

GOING FORWARD…

MFDA LIVE & IN-PERSON!

We are excited to have an in-person Convention at Breezy Point August 1112. Education plus fun and the ability to meet with people we haven’t see in a long time. More this on pages 7-13.

CELEBRANT TRAINING

At the writing of this article, I am talking to Glenda Stansbury about coming to Minnesota to offer Celebrant Training (in person) the week of November 8th.

NFDA LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

This program is based on what MFDA created in 2015 to 2018. We had 28 participants overall and three of those are now on the board. That was our goal, but I wasn’t sure how long it might take to come to fruition. Growth takes time! NFDA realized the importance of such a program, and we connected them to Bruce Mazda & Chad Weinstein. End result is NFDA has created a National Emerging Leaders’ program that is being announced at the August NFDA Leadership Summit and we are now working on Midwest Leadership Academy. Details to follow!

130TH ANNUAL MFDA CONVENTION

AUGUST 11-12, 2021

BREEZY POINT RESORT | BREEZY POINT, MN