Looking Back. Moving Forward. Together.
Authored by: Elizabeth Bouchard, PCI #905T-B, EMSCI# 214T-B, University of Guelph Campus Safety (Ontario), IPMBA Board of Directors, President
Over the past year, many members have expressed frustration with the uncertainty and lack of communication from IPMBA. We sincerely apologize and acknowledge that in our responsibility to serve you and our community, we should have done better.
While we have spent the last 18 months focused on important organizational improvements, we did not keep members informed enough about our progress or direction. As a result, many were left with questions about what was happening behind the scenes. We take responsibility for that and are committed to improving communication and strengthening our connection with the members we serve.
Although the shifts have not always been smooth, this has been one of the most productive and transformative periods in IPMBA's history.
One of the most significant milestones has been the transition to our new management team and the relocation of IPMBA headquarters from Maryland to Virginia. Moving an association with decades of history was no small undertaking. It required extensive planning, coordination, and countless hours of work, but under our new management, IPMBA is positioned for greater efficiency and long-term sustainability.
At the same time, we completed a major project to preserve and modernize our institutional history. Hundreds of thousands of paper records, certifications, and historical documents were digitized and organized. What once existed in filing cabinets has now been transformed into a searchable, secure digital archive. This effort not only protects important records but also creates a stronger foundation for member services.
Perhaps the most visible improvement has been the implementation of our new association management system. Members have long asked for easier access to training records, certifications, membership information, and other important documents. Today that vision becomes reality. Our new platform provides a centralized member hub where one can access their records, renew their membership, and take advantage of other member benefits all through a more streamlined and modern experience.
We have also spent time evaluating who we are as an organization and where we want to go. That process resulted in updated mission and vision statements that better reflect today’s public safety cycling professions and the future direction of IPMBA. These changes provide renewed clarity and focus as we continue to serve our members and advance the profession.
Training remains the cornerstone of IPMBA, and we have made significant progress in strengthening this foundation. By the end of the year, we will have concluded a review cycle involving all our course curricula. These updates ensure our training reflect current best practices and provides the most relevant, modern, and comprehensive learning experiences possible.
And we're not done yet.
Last year, our publisher notified us that it was no longer able to deliver The Complete Guide To Public Safety Cycling, so work is currently underway to identify new publishing options. Because a new edition will be required regardless, we have chosen to use this opportunity to review and update the content to ensure it reflects current practices and remains a valuable resource for our members. While this revision will not be as extensive as the previous edition, it will keep the guide relevant for years to come.
We are also developing a comprehensive member survey, which we expect to distribute by the end of this year or early in the new year. The survey will provide members with an important opportunity to share their ideas, priorities, and perspectives about the organization. Most importantly, it will give every member a voice in shaping the direction of IPMBA.
Finally, in the coming months, we will launch a completely redesigned IPMBA website. The new site will provide a cleaner, more intuitive experience, making it easier to access training information, resources, news, and member services. It represents another significant investment in the future of the association and the experience of every member.
While we are proud of everything that has been accomplished, we know that accomplishments alone are not enough. Progress means little if our members do not feel informed, connected, and included throughout the journey. As we move forward, we are committed to communicating more openly, responding more quickly, and sharing more regularly about the work that is being done on your behalf.
Most importantly, we recommit ourselves to you.
IPMBA exists because of its members. Every decision we make, every program we develop, and every improvement we pursue is ultimately intended to better serve the public safety professionals who place their trust in this association. Thank you for your patience, your support, and your continued belief in IPMBA. The past 18 months have involved a great deal of work behind the scenes, but the wheels are turning, momentum is building, and the road ahead is bright. We look forward to riding that road together and building an even stronger IPMBA for years to come.