The Alliance announces a change to their organizational Bylaws. This change creates a President Elect and authorizes an Immediate Past President position. Both new positions will serve on the Executive Committee which runs the day to day operations of the Alliance. After much discussion and a recommendation from the Leadership Development Committee (LDC), the Board of Directors has established two new officier categories: Immediate Past President (IPP) and established a President Elect position. The issue of succession was set in motion after Pete Whitridge, the current President announced his desire to step down as President and “move the Alliance to our next level of development and growth.” Pete has served as President since July 2010. He will continue to serve on the Board of Directors and fill the position of Immediate Past President until his term expires in August 2016.
After thorough interviews with the LDC and discussion during the May 5, 2015 board meeting, the Board unanimously selected Cherie Sohnen-Moe as our President Elect. She will serve on the Executive Committee until she is installed as President at our first Board of Directors meeting on July 26, 2015. After that date Cherie will serve as the Alliance President as outlined in the Bylaws. “Cherie is passionate, has ability to get things done, has proved her commitment to the Alliance for the last 5 years serving on the Conference Planning committee and the Teachers Standards committee. She has an extensive network of contacts within the Massage and Bodywork Community and will be a great president for the next phases of the AFMTE,” stated Pete.
“I am honored to be chosen to serve as the President Elect for the Alliance. I have been an active member of the Alliance Board of Directors from its inception. I have participated on many committees and have assisted in the organizational management. The Alliance has created a strong foundation and we are setting the systems and structures in place to ensure our longevity, increase our advocacy impact, and elevate educational practices and standards in massage therapy and bodywork. It’s an exciting time in our organization, and I look forward to continuing with this dedicated group of consummate professionals,” said Cherie.
Please be sure to congratulate Cherie at the upcoming 2015 Educational Congress in Minneapolis July 22 -25, 2015.