Fun fact: As your AAMVA Chair this year, I logged at least 15 trips, traveling to 10 different states and three additional countries, to share AAMVA’s priorities and engage with this most supportive community. It was a privilege to meet and learn from so many new colleagues.

At the close of one of the most enriching, inspiring and sometimes challenging positions of my career, let me simply say thank you. It has been an honor to serve the members and carry the mission of this organization, which remains focused on meaningful member engagement and finding new ways to serve their ever-evolving needs.

Across the many miles, I have grown to know more deeply that AAMVA is a special community, full of exceptional people. One of those extraordinary persons is retiring AAMVA President and CEO, Anne Ferro. Anne’s legacy is AAMVA’s firm foundation and the supportive team she leaves behind. I am so thankful for her transformational work in preparing AAMVA for its next chapter.

With 90 years of experience, AAMVA is confidently driving into a new century of service with a steadfast commitment to the AAMVA vision. The board has adopted a bold, five-year strategic framework that retains our four priorities of member-driven solutions, culture of excellence, technology management and fiscal integrity. I look forward to seeing this agenda continue to move forward with the guidance of AAMVA’s new President and CEO, Ian Grossman.

While my journey of a thousand miles now ends, the next steps begin for incoming AAMVA Chair, Georgia Commissioner Spencer R. Moore. He is a trusted friend, colleague and all-around great person. The AAMVA Board is in good hands.

As I prepare to serve you as the incoming Chair of the AAMVA International Board of Directors, I am overwhelmed with gratitude to the members who put their trust in me, as well as those along the way who saw something in a young man from a rural, unincorporated middle-Georgia community called Orianna.

From my first AAMVA event (2012) as incoming Deputy Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS), I was welcomed into a family environment and felt right at home. I have developed a network of colleagues, many of whom I consider to be friends. Individuals from across North America and beyond have made my experience rewarding and challenged me to think more broadly and comprehensively. Who would have thought that 11 years later I would be Chair of this great organization? I did not, but it lends an opportunity to share my amazing story of gratitude to those who have inspired, motivated and supported my career over the years.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my predecessor Kristina Boardman for her outstanding leadership and guidance during her tenure. She has played an instrumental role in guiding our strategic framework as well as fostering the growth and success of AAMVA. I am committed to building upon her legacy while steering our association toward the future.

I believe in building on that age-old thought that it’s people, processes and technology that give us the ability to succeed as we innovate to serve customers and help to maintain safety in this everchanging world. AAMVA has been a leader in that area. Whether it’s building international relationships to shape reciprocal agreements, advancing mobile credentialing or embracing technological innovations to reduce highway fatalities, I’m never afraid to tackle a new assignment or role.

Public service is my calling. I value people above all else, a principle taught to me by my parents, especially my mom. We at AAMVA are fortunate to have a rich history of dedicated members and business partners who put people and their safety first.

I invite you to join me on this exciting journey as we work together to propel AAMVA to the next level. Together, we can navigate the challenges, seize the opportunities and build a more connected, efficient and safe industry.

Again, I extend my heartfelt appreciation for your continued dedication to our association. I look forward to serving you as we work together to reimagine the way we do business, while prioritizing our people, engaging our partners and enhancing credentialing security.