As I begin to write this, January of 2010 is ending and we are in the midst of cold and snow!   It was only a few weeks ago that we were thinking of New Year's Resolutions and goals for the new decade.  The Buckeye Chapter Board of Directors are also looking ahead to 2010 and planning a year of new opportunities for education, collaboration and networking.

As you are reading this on line you see that our new website is now a reality!   Many thanks go to Katey Hellickson, the Newsletter and Website committee and all who helped and supported her in helping the Buckeye Chapter realize this goal.   This is a big step for our chapter - not only are we helping to preserve the environment by decreasing the use of paper, but now our chapter news is more easily accessible to all via the internet.   

Under the direction of Beth Christoff, Committee chair, the education committee has plans to hold several journal club and dinner meetings, always striving to present topics of interest to the membership. 

Kathy Savas, our chapter President -Emeritus and Mary Kay Quinn are the co-chairs of our annual symposium this year.   They are beginning the planning process, for what I am sure will be a wonderful educational opportunity. 

I would like to welcome Deb Damas to the Board of Directors in a new capacity.  Deb has been the chapter Membership Chair and is now our President -Elect.  I look forward to working with Deb this year in her new role.  Deb will be relinquishing her membership chair duties to the newest and yet returning member of the Board of Directors, Mary Penko.  Under her direction, the position of membership chair will become a committee with members in different institutions who can work to promote ITNS within their own organizations. 

We will again offer educational grants this year which are awarded by application.   These will be offered earlier this year so members will be better able to plan the use of grant money for educational programs throughout the year.  We hope to have these available by March. 

I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as the President of the Buckeye Chapter this year.  I look forward to working with the Board of Directors and membership in helping our goals become reality.   I look forward to working with all of you and meeting those members that I do not know.  I welcome your ideas and suggestions. ITNS is your organization and we can continue to be a strong and successful organization with your assistance and involvement.  During my term as President, I hope to see the Buckeye Chapter continue to grow and meet the needs of the membership and our transplant patients.