Transforming our Chapter’s Future Together

Hi there ICF New Jersey Family,

Reflecting on our March 18th Town Hall afternoon and evening meetings, I left inspired and energized by your participation, input and interests. If you couldn’t attend, don’t worry, below is a snapshot of what you missed. We covered significant updates on our strategic plan, membership, professional development initiatives, volunteer opportunities, moving forward, and more.

Here’s a few highlights: 

We emphasized how important our 2025-2027 Strategic Plan is in guiding our chapter's future over the next few years. The four main areas that frame our efforts are:

Governance and Operations; Member Engagement; Credentialing; Technology

These strategic areas of focus will guide every single thing that we do and the implementation of it. Whether it’s improving processes, enhancing our member experiences, or growing our technology capabilities, your involvement makes a difference.

Many of you asked about how the DEIB Committee differs from our Community Groups. The Community Groups offer monthly opportunities to explore compelling topics relevant to our coaching practices. Examples are strategies to grow your business, recognizing and overcoming biases or exploring innovative coaching techniques in neuroscience, life, career and leadership. These groups offer an inclusive, accessible way to engage on topics that drive you to attend because it fits into your schedule.

A committee is more behind the scenes contributions in planning, organizing and driving initiatives for the chapter and its members. Examples are professional development events, technology enhancements, building awareness through strategic partnerships, auditing our processes or creating new ones, grounded through inclusion and engagement. We understand it could be daunting to join a committee without knowing the commitment level. We welcome you to make a connection, “kick the tires,” or be a “fly on the wall” at a committee meeting as a guest. Community Groups and committees offer valuable platforms for connection and growth, each with distinct purposes and opportunities.

Speaking of connection, the Member Engagement committee connects everybody to everything. With Lisa Chenofsky Singer and Dorisse Shakir-Ullah as the committee’s Co-Directors, Member Engagement efforts are all about being a bridge between members, one another, and the board. Members are invited to host in-person Coffee with Coaches in their town with Lisa and Dorisse's support. There’s also virtual coach connections and Fishbowl Coaching. Their upcoming Open-Mic sessions begin in April. These activities are based on your feedback. Your voice matters, keep your suggestions coming.

We’re expanding our reach through strategic partnerships. Debbie Godfrey emphasized our ongoing efforts to educate the broader community about professional coaching's value. She shared that only 66% of the population understands coaching and only 30% have experienced its benefits. Our strategic partnerships are working diligently to close this awareness gap, enhancing our chapter’s visibility and credibility. They are reaching out to various New Jersey organizations, like SHRM, chambers of commerce, NJBiz, and others exploring partnership opportunities to educate and elevate the visibility of what credentialed coaching brings to the table.

As the Director of Technology, John DePalm (J.DP) shared the strides made in the chapter’s digital transformation since January 2025. By migrating platforms and digitizing processes, the chapter aims to better serve its members through leveraging efficient and innovative solutions. J.DP is in the planning stages of a Technology Committee inviting members to sit in and help. No need to be a tech expert to participate. You can have an eye for design or insights on AI. More importantly is your passion to help contribute to this initiative. A collaborative approach with other chapters on ICF Engage is being used to expand and leverage our technology efforts.
 
As Director of Credentialing, Joyce Heckman is actively developing initiatives to deliver support to help our members meet the ICF credentialing standards. Joyce’s efforts will include best practices, resources, FAQs, credentialing exam insights, etc.

Our members added value in both Town Hall meetings. They offered their fundraising campaign ideas and community group subjects, including suggestions for a book club, a group for new coaches, and a speaker group. If you have a different interest, please let us know. 

In closing, each of you bring unique value to our community as a seasoned member or a new member. Reach out directly or to any chapter leader if you're uncertain how best to get involved. Meet the call to participate, contribute, and be a part of the transformation that lies ahead for ICF New Jersey. There's always a place for you here to "get in where you can fit in”!

Thank you for being a cherished member of our coaching community. 

Best,
Kelli Kombat
President, ICF New Jersey