10/01/2026

Attention Members: Read this strengths-based assessment of the organization

Dear NCDA Members,
As my year as NCDA President winds down, I want to close my term by sharing the results of work the Board began over the past year: a strengths-based assessment of the organization, designed to understand where we are, identify our opportunities, and plan for a solid future.

The Board commissioned Pax Aria Resources to conduct the assessment. Dr. Reginald Ross and his team conducted 15 leadership interviews and 9 focus groups, surveyed the membership (435 responses), and reviewed three years of financial records, our strategic plan, and our governing documents. You can read the full member report here. 

The findings are clear: members believe in the NCDA, and the organization is financially stable with opportunities to continue to grow. The report outlines six major opportunities: 

• Modernizing technology
• Clarifying the NCDA story
• Enhancing the member experience
• Building partnerships and strengthening advocacy
• Strengthening organizational capacity
• Building a culture of continuous innovation

Our next step is a new strategic plan that puts these recommendations into action. That work will be led by incoming President Bret Anderson and the Board, with the assistance of our committees. We welcome your thoughts.

Serving as your President has been an honor. I have been inspired by your passion for the NCDA and am proud of the Board and the work that we have accomplished. Thank you for your trust and your commitment to this profession. Please join me in welcoming Bret as he leads NCDA into the next chapter.

Sincerely,
Dirk Matthews, NCDA President 2025-26