As I approach my final months as Past President of ADA I reflect upon my experiences as the President of ADA. As most of you know the ADA Presidency is a six year commitment: 2 years as President-elect (Convention Chair), 2 years as President and 2 years as Past President (Bylaws. Nominations, Advisor). During my Presidency a change in the annual meeting date extended my time in office to 6 1/2 busy years.

I remember the conventions: Tucson, Bal Harbour, Clearwater, Palm Springs, and Myrtle Beach. ADA members crowded in the hot tub, attending educational sessions, dancing in the rain, visiting the exhibits, closing down the bar, engaging in passionate debates on issues effecting our profession, dancing till dawn and my farewell "masquerade" tribute in Palm Springs.

I remember the FDA. Warning letters were sent to manufacturers, a visit to Dr. Kessler's office with other association and industry Presidents, the Senate Committee on Aging Hearing in September of 1993 and the FDA Hearings in December of 1993. Working with all Audiology Associations to submit our unified comments to the FDA and now still waiting for a response!

I remember implementation of important initiatives for our profession and for our industry. Many exciting and challenging Au.D. conferences, the formation of the CMC. Better Hearing and Speech Month with Jim Ryun, Audiology Awareness, Hear PO, and HIA's recent Hearing on the Hill in Washington, DC.

I remember working with other association and industry leaders, many of whom have become dear friends. The commitment and energy along with the caring and compassion of these people sustained and encouraged me throughout the years.

I remember conference calls, faxes, voice mail, phone tag and countless evenings working together with dedicated board members who made the time in their busy lives to work on behalf of the ADA. They believe as I do that ADA members make things happen with their "can do" spirits. These super board members led the charge to make important differences for dispensing audiologists and the patients they serve.

As I embark upon life without an ADA office, I feel proud, happy, content, hopeful and thankful. Proud you allowed me to serve as President of dispensing audiologists dedicated to providing the highest quality of hearing care. Happy to have been so enriched by the experience, places, people and events of the past 6 years. Content that I gave my best. Hopeful that over the next five years our efforts will assure audiologists a position as the primary provider of hearing care products and services in America. Most of all, I am incredibly thankful to have been given this opportunity to serve. I have grown as a person and as a professional. I thank each of you for believing in me, trusting my leadership and supporting the association.