TEI hosted its Annual Meeting of Members August 9–12 in beautiful Burlington, Vermont. TEI’s Executive Committee, Board of Directors, and staff focused on key governance matters, including electing new officers and past presidents to the board, certifying chapter representatives, approving the fiscal year 2025–2026 budget, and setting the Institute’s strategy for the year ahead.
On Monday, August 11, TEI welcomed Walter Doggett to the role of international president for the 2025–2026 year, succeeding the outgoing international president, Josie Scalia. TEI thanks Scalia for her leadership, support, and contributions to TEI over the past year—what a fantastic year!
Doggett shared his vision for the Institute during his term, focusing on:
- conducting a member value survey to evaluate member needs, interests and engagement;
- developing short- and long-term strategic plans for TEI;
- reviewing the member dues structure and evaluate the viability of a corporate pricing option based on the survey findings; and
- reviewing TEI’s region and chapter structure to ensure adequate representation for each region and assess opportunities for partnership, consolidation, and support of chapters.
Association consulting firm McKinley Advisors joined the meeting and led several impactful workshops; the firm will partner with TEI to conduct a comprehensive member value survey aimed at evaluating member needs, interests, and engagement. The results will help TEI develop short- and long-term strategic plans, with McKinley supporting the efforts.
Programming highlights included Steve Doran, CAE, TEI membership and chapter relations director, who led a lively discussion on Chapter and Committee Challenges, followed by an excellent panel discussion on Tax Departments in an Era of Uncertainty, led by Scalia, Lionel Nobre, Sam Sim, Scott Tincher, and Betty Mak.
There were plenty of opportunities for members to network with peers, learn something new, reconnect with old friends, and meet new friends along the way. Attendees and their guests spent Monday evening aboard the Spirit of Ethan Allen, enjoying a dinner cruise on beautiful Lake Champlain—a wonderful night shared with friends and family not soon to be forgotten. TEI is already looking forward to hosting next year’s meeting in Jackson Hole, Wyoming!
