Dear AACA Members,

As we (gladly) turn the calendar and welcome in 2021, it is important not to lose sight of what was accomplished in the challenging year that 2020 turned out to be.  While an unprecedented year in so many ways, I am proud of AACA’s 2020 accomplishments. We were able to successfully celebrate our 30^th anniversary, hosted a total of 7 meetings/roundtables, and facilitated a well-attended and engaging Annual Forum.  I am also personally proud of the organization’s commitment to the greater community with financial contributions to the Atlanta Food Bank and Toys for Tots during 2020.

It is with credit to our Board and the partnership we have with our Sponsors, that we were able to pivot, almost overnight, to hosting virtual meetings.  In our 30-year history, we had never hosted a virtual meeting, nor did we have a WebEx account at the beginning of 2020.  While quite successful, I do look forward to returning to in-person meetings!

Moving ahead, I am delighted to welcome two new members to the Board in 2021:

• Nat Estes- VP, Programs; and
• Sean MacHale- Director, University Liaison

Special thanks to all the returning Board members who agreed to continue their service to AACA, particularly with full knowledge of the challenges that lie ahead as we enter 2021 still in the midst of a global pandemic.

Our #1 goal continues to be responding to the needs of our members while serving the Atlanta compensation community.  Following our annual strategy planning meeting in early January (virtually, of course…), we identified the following key initiatives for the year:

• Increased Membership and Engagement
• University Relations/Student Mentorship
• Enhanced Member Communication and Outreach

Our 2021 programming will be exploring the theme, “Redefining Total Rewards in Dynamic Times”.  Our meetings and workshops this year will focus on this theme as we examine the short-term and long-term impacts of the pandemic on our total rewards philosophies and program designs.   Your speaker suggestions, topic ideas and other feedback is always appreciated and welcomed.

Thank you for your continued support of AACA and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back to in-person meetings, just as soon as we can do so safely!

Wishing you a terrific year,

Lisa F. Burkard
AACA President— 2020-2021