It’s hard to believe I have been associated with the INMA board now for more than five years. Where does time go?

I remember clearly Tom Ratkovich, who was an INMA board director at the time, buying me dinner at an INMA event and suggesting I consider joining the INMA board.

Tom’s a great salesman and so I agreed. Little did I know the INMA board is a working board and that I had signed up for more than I expected.

At the same time, though, I have gained more from the experience than I could have imagined. Over the years I’ve been involved with a number of boards, including those related to our industry, private companies, condominium associations, and more. All have been great experiences, as has been my time with INMA.

With INMA, I’ve benefited professionally and personally. INMA has provided me with the opportunity to meet fabulous people from all over the world, learn about leading-edge innovations, and build relationships that will last long after my time on the INMA board is over.

In short, my INMA experience is one that I cherish and that has been more than worth the effort I’ve given to INMA.

In May, I will finish my term as president of the INMA North American division. During my term, the board has built stronger processes for the division and has built on on the positive momentum left from the previous president, Kathleen Coleman. Now I would like to ensure I leave a strong board for the future.

I would like to ask you to consider joining the INMA board. We have several board positions opening in the spring of 2014.

The board is well represented by suppliers and smaller newspaper chains and independents. We would like to have representation from major news media companies.

Specifically, we are looking for new board members with strong experience in advertising and marketing functions who could represent larger publishers such as the Washington Post, Gannett, Dow Jones, and Advance.

If you would like to become more involved as a board member, committee member, blogger, or INMA volunteer, please send me a brief note at sandy.macleod@inma.org with your name, title, related experience, and a line or two about why INMA is right for you.

Trust me: Even in busy times, some investments are worth the effort.

Wishing you all the best for 2014.