It is with great enthusiasm that I write to you as your new SDA Executive Director. As many of you know, after 18 years as Executive Director, Evan Goulding has decided to retire. Let me reassure those of you feeling nervous, we are not letting him go far. He will remain as SDA lobbyist for the 2010 Legislative Session, and will be available for special projects and other pre-determined activities.

The Board has suggested that Evan serve as consultant on several special projects and I intend to rely on him to provide me with his insight and to share his knowledge of SDA’s history.

SDA is an efficient organization because of the SDA Board of Directors and Evan Goulding’s leadership. Evan has assembled a talented and dedicated staff to support the SDA membership. He has also been successful in developing programs and educational training for special districts, while serving the membership through his role as SDA’s lobbyist, protecting and preserving local government in Colorado.

As part of our exciting new year, SDA is unveiling a new look for the newsletter and website. A dynamic new logo was chosen by the Board at the November retreat, it will be premiered with the February newsletter. SDA News (the new name for the newsletter) will be launched in conjunction with a new SDA Website.

The new look and functionality of the website will feature updated legislative information and a helpful compliance calendar along with other key information for members. 

SDA continues to search for ways to assist members. November 2009 we added a helpful link on the SDA Website that allows members to file their SB 09-87 transparency notice, which is due January 15, 2010. If we can be of assistance, please call SDA at 303-863-1733 or contact me at ann.terry@sdaco.org.

The 2010 legislative year and the election will be a priority for the SDA staff as we watch several ballot initiatives that may make the November ballot. In my opinion, several of these initiatives could adversely affect special districts.

I am honored to have been chosen your next Executive Director and look forward to working with you. Please do not hesitate to call or stop by the SDA offices.