It’s said that excitement is contagious and I feel like since I have stepped into this position of NAWBO® President & CEO just over two weeks ago, I’ve been energized by the excitement of chapter leaders and members who have reached out to me, and sponsor partners and public policy decision makers who I’ve had the privilege of meeting. I am thankful for the gifts and notes from many of you and those of you who reached out to personally welcome me, and those of you who embraced the opportunity to meet, whether it was here in Washington, DC or on the phone from across the nation. If we haven’t yet connected, I look forward to it in the weeks and months ahead!
What’s also exciting is to see how far NAWBO® has come since it was founded in 1975, and to visualize the possibilities that lie ahead for us all. There is tremendous opportunity in so many regards. I have been so impressed with our members, women business owners’ ability to navigate through these tough economic times, and I am anxious to work with our chapters to increase resources and value to our members. In addition, I am anxious to address public policy issues that directly affect business owners and to continue to position NAWBO® as a thought leader for the women’s entrepreneurial community on a wide range of issues, including access to capital and federal procurement opportunities. I am also eager to continue to grow NAWBO®’s reach and depth of relationships with existing and new partners. The possibilities are truly endless.
I am honored to be working with this group of entrepreneurial women and our talented and dedicated NAWBO® staff and National Board members to make the very best strategic decisions for this world-class organization and set the course for unparalleled success for every one of us.
—Diane Tomb, NAWBO® President and CEO