worked , and we made things a little better . There is always room for improvement , and we continue to work . Each step gets us closer to our goals ; a more responsive organization , that runs smoothly , and provides excellent service to its members .
During my time as President , we switched from a management company to being self-managed because it was necessary in order to keep the organization solvent . This required the Board taking on the tasks that were paid for before , and that is no small thing . Through that management change , it also opened up a more responsive and deeper connection between board members and our members . We have streamlined some of the day-to-day operations , and are planning a switch from our YourMembership account to a different platform that will allow us to maintain better records that are more easily changed when needed , and will save the organization money . We also started a relationship with the University of California to do some pedorthic research ( which is underway ), something many of our members wanted to see . PFA is also working on some international partnerships with the possibility of long-term relationships that will help PFA maintain its position as a pedorthics world leader , as well as having financial benefits . We have started working in the state of Florida to make changes in their restrictive pedorthics scope of practice , and we will report on those endeavors as things progress . Change does not come fast or easy , but looking back at what we have accomplished over the last two years fills me with pride at what this devoted group has been able to do .
To my friends on the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee , thank you . Thank you for the laughs , for your insights , your strength , your faith , and the occasional reality check . To the PFA Past Presidents and past board members who lent an ear , gave sage advice , and shared your wisdom , thank you . To our vendors , thank you for having the faith in us when you could have cut and run . To our membership : looking out into the group at the membership meetings every symposium , seeing how engaged and hopeful you all were , and the faith you had in us as a board , spurred me on to not let you down . Thank you . To my wife Caryn , thanks for pitching in on editing my President ’ s Messages and the PFA articles , and for keeping me focused on the real issues . Thanks to my family for allowing me to take the time I needed for PFA business at your expense . Thanks to all who help make this organization work .
As I transition from the presidency , it will be my pleasure to read Chris Cosantini ’ s President ’ s Message every other month . It will be nice to ease off the accelerator a little too , knowing the PFA is in the capable hands of the upcoming Board of Directors headed by Chris Cosantini , the new PFA President . To you all , if I may leave you with one piece of advice , it is to take part in this organization . It is your organization . I promise you , even if you give 100 %, it will give you back more than you gave !
■ Rob Sobel
PFA President
Current Pedorthics November / December 2016 7