President's Corner

Bill Billingsley

OPPORTUNITY

Serving as the President of CenTex ASPA has been both a privilege and a rewarding opportunity. The success of CenTex would not be possible without the dedication of its members who have diligently strived to make this an exciting year.

A few of the events included an outstanding 2nd Annual Texas Statewide ASPA Conference; two successful mentoring mixers, a special luncheon at the State Capitol to discuss the state of career state employment; an awards banquet to honor outstanding area leaders, practitioners, educators, and researchers in the field of public administration; not to mention the recent honor of the board meeting and hosting a reception for the Comptroller General of the United States.

In January, CenTex will elect a new President and Vice-President and several new council members to the board. If you've wanted to become more involved with CenTex, one of the leading and most recognized ASPA chapters in the nation, now is your opportunity.

Two years ago, I made the decision to both continue my graduate education in public administration and to become a member of ASPA. In just a few short years of being involved with CenTex, not only have a gained experience and exposer, but I've learned an enormous amount about public adminstration that I would not have necessarily learned solely in a classroom setting. Through the relationships and friendships that I've formed with CenTex members, who've either knowingly or unknowingly mentored me along the way, I've learned by their example. For that opportunity, I am grateful and I continue to strive to give back that same level of commitment to the field of public administration that I've seen continuously exhibited by CenTex members.

A large portion of the 260 members of CenTex are comprised of current MPA students, alumni, and faculty in public administration/affairs from area universities. What better resource to both develop professionally and make a difference in the field of public administration than through CenTex ASPA. From my personal perspective as an MPA student, I'm amazed at the opportunities and resources that CenTex has available to students. Unfortunately, however, I recognize that many of these opportunities and resources are not taken full advantage of. The opportunities that presented themselves to me are without a doubt the same opportunities that are available to every CenTex member today.

Now is YOUR opportunity and I would encourage you to become more involved. If you'd like to be considered for an upcoming council member vacancy, please contact either myself at billyb2@flash.net or 512 239-1697 or Reuben Leslie, Chair of the Nominations Committee, at rlsd@io.com or 512 837-6181.

Bill Billingsley, President