Dear NABS Family,

2009 has been an exciting year!  Although much of it has been overshadowed by the economic downturn, we do have many things to be thankful.  There were also many highlights to draw inspiration; the seating of the first African-American President who went on to win the Nobel Peace Prize! Even little publicized events such as the PGA granting posthumous membership to three African-American golf pioneers it excluded in life because of its former "Caucasian-only" policy. Just imagine, when we work together we achieve great things!

As divers, we love water and the marine environment!  It is a unique gift we all share.  As your new President, I want to share with you a brief overview of my vision for NABS in its continued quest for greatness:

• Engaging our members - NABS has a Youth Committee, Membership Committee, Summit Committee, Nominating Committee, Science and Education Committee and an Awards and Recognition Committee.  As the old saying goes "a chain is only strong as its weakest link!" I encourage you to get off the sideline and get into the game!  My goal includes 100% participation by all NABS members!  We strengthen our chain by strengthening our bonds.
• Streamline Operations - As President, my responsibility is to help create a strategic frame of reference as it pertains to our future!  Addressing short term challenges such as budgeting, bylaw revisions and increased organizational transparency must be addressed.  While long term challenges such as defining how we stay on track with our mission and the development of goals necessary to get there become are ever-so important as they continue to define our existence.
• Provide Health and Safety Information - As President, I appreciate the value that individuals bring to our family!  We also want our NABS Brothers and Sisters to remain healthy along with the prime objective of safe diving!  We have the ability to "tap" into our NABS resources whether it be Aqua Corp or information emanating through some form of educational awareness.  It's the human capital component that makes an organization truly great and we all have the ability to invest in each other!
• Development of Youth Programs - Among NABS objectives is dedicating resources to the development of youth.  It is not only NABS desire to promote safe water skills for youth, but to also identify and encourage young people to join the NABS family.  The greatest gift you can provide yourself is to help a young person achieve greatness!
• Retention - As Doc Jones pointed out at the business meeting, there are over 2200 card carrying NABS members.  The reality is that not all are currently active with NABS for various reasons.  As your President it is my responsibility to engage those members and encourage them to rejoin the NABS family.

Developing these areas presents a formidable challenge but holds enormous potential.  My goal and responsibility to you is to promote good governance, empower members and foster support throughout our great organization.  As the year draws to a close, I encourage you to get your dues in early as they are the lifeblood of any organization.  I'm looking forward to sharing an exciting and rewarding 2010 with you!  Finally, I want to thank you for the confidence you have expressed in not only me but the entire NABS Executive Board.

Zel Head,

President 2010 - 2012

       Aim for Perfection, Settle for Excellence!