President's Message - January 2020

It is my distinct pleasure to serve as your President in 2020. I feel honored to work with such a talented board and amazing members.

I’d like to introduce myself, and share a bit about my background. I’m a third generation Oregonian and grew up on a small farm in the Willamette Valley. As a kid I picked berries to earn money to buy fabric so I could sew my ownclothes. I went on to study art then had a long career in R&D in the textiles industry. Several years ago I started my own consulting company where as Creative Director I use my photography to inspire the creation of new fabrics.

When I came to OPPA I needed to improve my technical skills - I was impressed with how members engage with OPPA regardless of where they are in their own path, from beginner to professional. When our board began this year we met to chart the course for the future of OPPA. We asked a lot of tough questions. Below are the strategic opportunities we outlined - 

• Market OPPA to the broader photographic community
  
• Support collaboration
  
• Invest in our social programming
  
• Evolve our educational programs
  
• Strengthen our committees and Leadership pipeline
  

It is important to highlight what distinguishes OPPA from other organizations and provides each of us with an opportunity to engage. Education: Success through Learning, Competitions: Grow our Skills, Social: Build community and Resources: Serve our Members. 

Our Mentorship program is one of my favorite programs and it captures the essence of OPPA. I would encourage everyone to get involved as either a Mentor or Student. Or both. This is an extremely valuable opportunity to have personal 1:1 time with someone that has expertise in your area of interest. One session a year is free to members!

I would also encourage you to get involved on a committee or at one of our events.  There are many areas to help out. It’s a great way to network and increase your business and photographic skills. I promise you it will be well worth your investment of time!

I would like the opportunity to meet each member in person – and to find out what challenges you have that OPPA can help you solve. One question I promise to ask is “What is one thing you’d like to see happen this year”? How can we partner together to make it happen? Please drop me an email and let’s have coffee! My email is president@oregonppa.org. 

In closing, I would like to thank all of our volunteers and board members that have given so much of their time over the years to build this extraordinary organization. Their contributions have allowed OPPA to build an incredible resource for photographers and to keep our membership dues in check. I look forward to sharing my passion for photography with this awesome organization. Let’s make it a great year together!

  

Linda Keppinger

MBA, CPP, AFP-OR

president@oregonppa.org