Winter 2007

Message from the 2007 Industry President: Brian McCleave

With membership booming and the 2006 Annual Conference attendance at an all-time high, NAGDCA has emerged as a top organization for interaction between government and industry members. Our culture is one of coming together for the common good. That said, I am extremely proud of the talented group of individuals on our 2007 NAGDCA Industry Committee. The team includes:

President: Brian McCleave, Prudential Retirement
Vice President: Tim Rouse, Fidelity
Secretary: Janet Kendall, ING Financial Advisers
Treasurer: Kurt Walten, NAREIT
Member-at-Large: Michael Studebaker, Nationwide Retirement Services
Member-at-Large: Rod Crane, TIAA-Cref
Past President: Matt Abraham, Mutual of Omaha

How You Can Make a Difference
As this year's Industry President, I will be putting a lot of emphasis on expanding volunteer opportunities throughout our industry membership. The depth and diversity of talent that we have within our great organization is tremendous. The lifeblood of NAGDCA flows through volunteerism. There are numerous ways for you to contribute such as:

  • Sponsorship of the NAGDCAST series
  • Commenting on federal proposals
  • Authoring publications
  • Speaking at conferences
  • Participating on a committee
  • Sponsorship at the Annual Conference
  • Contributing to Annual Meeting activities

Another way that you can make a difference is by assisting in the promotion of NAGDCA. Many industry members hold client and prospect conferences. NAGDCA is requesting, where appropriate, that membership in our Association is discussed at these conferences. Including NAGDCA membership materials in conference packets or having it available at an exhibit would be examples of how to support this effort.

Finally, great strides have been made with the Arthur N. Caple Scholarship. The 2006 Annual Conference was the site for our second scholarship award winner recognition. New developments include the formation of a foundation board. The board will focus on increased scholarships, expanding conference attendance for students, and raising appropriate funds to support the financial viability of the foundation. As a member of the Arthur N. Caple Board and your Industry President, I urge you to contribute.

*please consult NAGDCA staff for details on any of the ways that you can make a difference

I consider the role of Industry President both a privilege and an honor. Please share ideas, concerns, suggestions, and any thoughts on how to improve the industry contribution to NAGDCA. Together, we will make 2007 a huge success!