Dear WASLA Members and Readers,
As I write my final newsletter as President, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude, pride, and maybe just a hint of relief.
First, I want to take a moment to reflect on the recent success of our state conference in Spokane. It was an inspiring day filled with collaborative discussions, engaging sessions, thoughtful keynotes, and a strong sense of community. Seeing so many of our members come together is always rewarding.
I want to extend my deepest thanks to everyone who attended, presented, volunteered, and contributed to making this year’s conference such a success. A special shout-out to everyone on the Conference Committee and our incredible sponsors—you all went above and beyond to make this event come to life.
Now, as I prepare to pass the torch to our President-Elect, Mike Faulkner, (don't worry, I will still be backseat driving as Past-President for one more year!), I find myself reflecting on my past years of service. Serving as your president has given me the opportunity and the privilege of working with talented and passionate people, both locally and across the country, all of whom are dedicated to advancing the profession of landscape architecture. I learned an immense amount in a short period, made meaningful friends, and discovered how to be a better leader. I can only hope that our chapter has gained a fraction of the value from my term that I gained from it.
But in truth, the value of our chapter comes from the strength of its volunteers and the collective efforts of our members. Our achievements are possible because of the dedication, time, and energy you all invest in the chapter. If you have served on a committee, mentored a student, attended events, or simply shared ideas—thank you. We cannot do this without you. I know as much as anyone how challenging it can be to find spare time to volunteer, but I have learned that any amount of time spent giving back truly makes an impact.
Looking forward, I am confident that the chapter is in excellent hands and poised for even greater things. I urge each of you to continue engaging, volunteering, and shaping the future of our profession. Our field is evolving with the times, and we need your voices, ideas, and passion to keep moving forward.
Thank you once again for the honor of serving as your President.
Finally,
Nick Zurlini
