Message From the Chair

Last year, NAWBO underwent a major organizational transformation—strengthening our organization from within and re-branding on the outside in a concerted effort to better serve our members and position us in the business community. Now, we have taken the next critical step in our organizational evolution and are proud to announce the appointment of Helen Han to the position of NAWBO President & CEO.

Helen has been serving as NAWBO’s Interim Executive Director and has led our efforts in transforming the organization since May 2008. This title change is part of an evolution that has been focused on an organizational development process that positions NAWBO to better serve our stakeholders and allows us to compete more effectively in the business community. The Board of Directors believes that this structural change will position NAWBO to meet our objectives better; and we have plans to conduct a national search by June 30, 2010 to permanently fill this position for which Helen will, of course, be invited to apply.

The 2009-2010 Board of Directors is working closely with Helen and our operations team to develop a three-year strategic plan and performance matrix system that will enable us to focus on long-term strategies for taking the organization to new heights. During our board retreat in August, we identified our priority objectives for the current year as follows: (1) Build our resources and diversify our funding channels: (2) Launch a national capacity building educational initiative (3) Expand our reach with new audiences – women of color, international and next generation; (4) Re-engage in the public policy arena; (5) Provide next level chapter and leadership development support; and (6) Build an infrastructure to sustain future growth.

It is indeed an exciting time for NAWBO as we announce Helen as our President & CEO; and I have no doubt that Helen will build on her past successes to further strengthen NAWBO to become the premiere organization for women business owners. Join me in congratulating Helen on her new role!

—Wendy Lopez, 2009-2010 Chair