N a t i o n a l N e w s l e t t e r

S p e c i a l E d i t i o n

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In accordance with our By-Laws, the affairs of the Association shall be governed by a Board of Directors, elected by our Members and known as The National Board. This board is responsible to the membership of the Asso- ciation as the single overall deliberative and governing body in the conduct of all the affairs of the Association as a whole.

This year we have a full slate of nominations for the board positions all of whom will be elected by acclamation at the upcoming AGM. Each of these ladies has already served at least one year on the National Board, so

the fact that they have offered to continue is to me a testament of how much they are benefiting from board service.

In this edition of Communiqué each of these nominees was asked to share what AAP means to them. I hope that as you read their messages it will encourage all of you to think about serving either at the Branch or Natio- nal Board level at some time in the future. Meanwhile I thank each of them for volun-teering, our Association could not exist with-out people like them.

rsvp here!

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when? Saturday, May 30, 2020

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I am honoured and proud to be nominated for my

fourth and final term as National Director-President. The Association of Administrative Professionals (AAP) is an organization that promotes community, engagement and enables us to develop skillsets of leadership, resilience, compassion and productivity. It has been a privilege to represent all of our members in Canada and throughout the world. I truly believe that we have evolved as a profession. We are more than just admins – we are the strategic business partners for our executives within our workplace.

I have been a member of AAP since 2010. In 2013, I

started volunteering on the National Board in the role of National Director-Treasurer. This role enabled me to connect with all members and branches, as well as provide financial support and guidance for our organiza-tion. In 2016, I was elected into the National Director-Vice President & MAL Liaison role, where I built relationships with our MAL members, supported the development of the Moncton branch, and chaired our website refresh committee. In 2017, I was nominated for the role of National Director-President and have proudly held this role the last three years. Through these roles, I have been able to connect with many of our members, brought forth change and innovation, explored new partnership and sponsorship opportunities for AAP, and have built relationships with strong, empowered and fierce administrative professionals.

I currently work as the Executive Assistant to four

amazing executives at Samuel, Son & Co. Ltd. based out of the Hamilton, Ontario facility. I currently support the Presidents of both the US and Canadian Service Center business units, the EVP & Chief Procurement Officer, and the VP of Automotive. Samuel is a national metal manufacturing, processing and distribution compa-ny with over 100 facilities in North America and Mexico. In previous roles, I have supported Directors, VPs and C-Suite Executives within the government, non-profit and corporate sectors. I have also supported teams in Finance, Human Resources, Marketing & Communica-tions, Public Affairs and Corporate Reputation.

I graduated from the University of Toronto with a

degree in Historical & Cultural Geography, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Political Science. In my spare time, I love travelling with my husband, reading, baking, playing board games, and watching Hallmark movies!

What does AAP mean to me? AAP holds a very special place in my heart. AAP has enabled me to be the leader I never thought I could be. It has given me the opportunity to rise during crisis. It has encouraged me to think outside the box and work with my team to come up with solutions to issues that we have never encountered in the past. AAP has given me the courage to speak in front of crowds. It has provided me with opportunities of advancement in the workplace, has helped me grow both professionally and personally, and has enabled me to realize my potential and my worth. But most of all, AAP has connected me to an amazing network of admin professionals that I am proud to call not only as my colleagues, but as my friends.

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My name is Evelyn Serbout, currently the National Director VP and MAL Liaison. I am a member of the Calgary branch.

I feel blessed to have been given the oppor-tunity to serve the National and MAL mem-bers once again. This is my 4

th and last year

in the position.

First year was lots of learning; new

processes, new steps, new members! 2nd year was putting all the learning and new

initiatives in the works. On my 3rd year, I

must say I gained more confidence in what I am doing.

In the last 3 years, I have worked so hard in responding to inquiries which resulted in gaining new members. MAL membership has climbed up to 113 members as of April 30, 2020. Last year, I helped re-activate the

Ottawa Branch and this year, I helped open a brand-new branch in Alberta, the Red Deer Branch. Combined support from national board members and MALs lead to these accomplishments.

If not for Covid-19, there could have been more exciting additions. Plans were put on hold. However, as the Divine Creator is my guide in everything that I do, I know there’s a reason why this unfathomable virus sur-faced. Whatever reason that may be to others, to me I have been absorbing all the wisdom and positive lessons that taught me the greatest realization. Life is very precious, and tomorrow is not a promise. I am thankful to have been a part of AAP where I continue to get empowered and encouraged to learn, grow and thrive.

All in all, it has been such a blessed 3 years and I cannot be even more excited to see and anticipate what the 4th year may bring.

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2019 was an exciting year as my husband,

Guy and I celebrated our 25th anniversary

and I turned 60. We enjoyed many wonder-

ful celebrations throughout the year with

friends and family starting with a trip to

Mexico and then back again for another two

weeks later in the year.

I was then excited to celebrate my 25th

anniversary with my employer this February

where my executive administrative role has

continued to evolve over the years.

I continue to provide administrative support

to staff throughout all business units across

the country and I have held a key role as

the executive administrator on the Quality

Council for many years.

I am honoured to be nominated to the role

of Director-Secretary for my second term. I

have really enjoyed reconnecting with

members and distributing exciting new

resources and webinars from our Sponsors

over the past year.

The Association offers me valuable learning

opportunities, access to a vast library of

knowledge from all my peers, and

continued support from my colleagues in

my endeavours. Being a member of the

National Board is a very rewarding

experience and I hope others will volunteer

when the opportunity comes knocking.

If elected I look forward to collaborating on many new initiatives in the upcoming year with my colleagues on the National Board.

You continue to inspire me be the best ver-sion of myself.

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Hello, my name is Julie Lemoine. I am a Project Administrator with the engineering firm of MCW Maricor, a member and Past President of the Moncton Branch. This past year I have held the position of Treasurer on the National Board and would be honoured to serve the Association for another term.

So much can be accomplished when working together towards common goals. These past few months many of our events have been cancelled or postponed, however, we found other ways to do what we have set out to do to keep the Association going and on target. That's what being an admin is all about! Being adaptable, flexible, resilient, and having the confidence to step outside of the box. These qualities, obtained through leader-ship and education, are the foundation of AAP, a safe place to Learn - Grow - Thrive.

For me, AAP has given me the opportunity to spread my wings by taking on various leadership roles and learning new skills.

I've obtained the confidence necessary to take on new roles and challenges. In January, I was promoted to Administrative Team Lead at MCW, a position I thank AAP for helping me obtain. I now coach and mentor the admins team by providing them with learning opportunities and sharing knowledge so we may all work together to maintain the corporate identity.

In my current role as Treasurer, I took my knowledge of accounting and general office procedures to make some changes, and it is my desire to continue building what we have started with the National Board and the Membership Coordinators. I am looking forward to another successful year!

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Gale Belcourt is the current National Registrar for the Association of Administrative Professionals. She helps guide those interested in expanding their professional development to obtain the Canadian Certified Administrative Professional designation. Gale believes that administrative professionals are an integral part of dynamic teamwork. Working in a wide variety of administrative roles for over two decades Gale has experienced firsthand the vast changes that have brought the administrative role to where it is today and is passionate about helping others advance it even further.

A strong believer in the importance of developing strong relationships, Gale enjoys working with those considering the pursuit of their designation or already working towards it as well as working with colleges and universities to increase awareness of the CCAP program and promote the value of certification for their students.

As part of a national business development team for an international company Gale was a central part in numerous initiatives including multiple major rebranding projects, the coordination of national events, various marketing initiatives, and training programs. When not promoting our Association, Gale enjoys cooking, spending time with family, long walks, and traveling.

What does AAP mean to me?

To me AAP means having an opportunity to Learn, Grow and Thrive. Learning both on a personal level through the various opportunities the Association and sponsors provide and as the Registrar it is extremely rewarding to help others work towards and obtain their professional certification. Growth through membership and the various roles I have been honored to hold within the Association at both National and Branch levels. To thrive is to develop…to succeed…to feel good about something. I feel that the CCAP program has been constantly evolving into the valuable and recognized pro-gram it is today and with the changes we are currently implementing we are taking it to an even higher level for our members. The success of our CCAP enrollees and the growth in our profession are what inspire me to thrive.

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I have been an active member of the Associa-

tion of Administrative Professionals Edmonton

Branch since 1996. I am currently serving as

your National Director – Public Relations. I have

also had the opportunity to hold various other

positions on both the National Board (Branch

President and Nominations Constitution Chair)

and the Edmonton Branch Executive Committee

(President, Past President, Vice President, Sec-

retary, Public Relations, and Program/Facility).

In May 2003, I received my CCAP designation

and strongly believe in lifelong learning and our

tagline Learn Grow Thrive.

I am currently the Strategic Coordinator with

the City of Edmonton, Office of the City Auditor

and look forward to celebrating 30 years with the

City in June.

Being a part of the National Board is important

to me as it allows me to be more connected to

the Association, offers new challenges, and

allows me to be a part of the decision making as

the Association continues to grow and offers so

many more benefits to our members.

Another great benefit about not only being on

the National Board but being a member of the

Association is the many new friendships I have

formed, the opportunity to network with

members across Canada and the extensive

number of professional development opportuni-

ties it provides to all of our members. I am very

passionate about the Association and continue

to value the knowledge and learning experience

I have gained through the many years being

involved with the Association.

I would be honoured to continue in the role as

the National Director of Public Relations.

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