
To the Membership of the Chicago InfraGard Chapter:
I respectfully submit my name for election to the position of Vice President, for the Chicago InfraGard Chapter.
As the appointed Vice President, and former Treasurer and Membership Director, it is and has been my privilege to serve you, the chapter and the community.
My Perspective:
WHO WE ARE – The Chicago InfraGard Chapter is a vibrant and robust chapter providing an enormous value to the community. Our members are a diverse group providing perspective, expertise and value to the community. The chapter’s ever increasing value comes from all of our efforts, not least of which is the tremendous programs often supported by generous donations of members, sponsors and supporters.
WHERE WE ARE – As a chapter we have faced challenges including memberships re-vetting, and most recently the extended downtime of the national secure site. In defense of national’s efforts I must note the recent progress related to the secure site, including the improved frequency and quality of communications. Despite these ongoing challenges (and recent progress), I have seen our chapter board work to provide ever increasing value to our membership. You should share in my enormous pride with our all-volunteer board, the Bureau, chapter volunteers, as well as you, our most important asset (chapter members). I feel we are a world-class model for other chapters.
The challenges continue, and the work is not done. Gaps remain in member-to-member interaction, and constituent development. These are critical efforts to enhance interaction and chapter development, and are a constant focus. This is a frequent challenge as we balance our approach to maintain a core tenet; the protection of chapter information (your privacy). We are charged with protecting your membership information, yet driven to provide viable products. Rest assured member privacy is of paramount importance. We will improve interaction working within the constraints of good information security practices.
WHAT I WILL DO – If elected, I will support board and president initatives, services and maintain the vice presidents role at the chapter. I will focus on two primary areas –
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- Member-to-Member Interaction – Driving conduits to improve interaction with each other
- Constituent Development – Building our membership
I would like to continue the work we have started; leveraging the great resources we have in one of the premier chapters to provide you and our community with exemplary services.
I respectfully request your support to continue this important work.
Thomas Elward, CPP
Chicago InfraGard Chapter – Vice President

