AFERM Q3 2025 Newsletter President's Article

AFERM Q3 2025 Newsletter
President’s Article

This quarter, AFERM achieved some remarkable goals amid continued uncertainty. While uncertainty is a constant factor that's always present, there are times when it seems overwhelming. When that occurs, it's essential to re-emphasize and (1) focus on strengths, (2) focus on what you can control, and (3) focus on what's possible. And that's where we start regarding our quarterly update.

First, AFERM hosted two excellent webinars, “Integrating ERM into the Agency Budget Process,” and “ERM for Optimization.” We also launched AFERM UNIVERSITY, capitalizing on our amazing partnerships with organizations such as RIMS. As a result, we welcomed our first workshop students and celebrated this revenue-generating opportunity.

Additionally, we welcomed new members to our association and continue to engage our state and local community of professionals by solidifying growth in this area through engagements with AFERM's State and Local Committee.

As President, I urge you to understand that uncertainty will never completely disappear and has always been a part of our lives. As practitioners, we have an advantage that most people do not: an understanding of how to adapt and pivot during those times because of our expertise. Risk management is not a law. It's a leadership discipline. Just because you don't write risk down, doesn't mean it doesn't exist. ERM is a strategic and mature approach to risk management in times of uncertainty, a skill that is often lacking at executive levels within government and non-governmental organizations.

Finally, as the VUCA world, which we understand, continues to unfold, more risk management skills, when paired with the pursuit of opportunity, will be needed — not reduced. 

Remember that it is our uniqueness as AFERM and a skill many strive to achieve. It is our mission to educate as many people as possible about the importance of this skill.

Let's continue to fulfill our mission, which sets us apart from many.

Until next time, STAY CONNECTED AND ENGAGED! 

Thank you,

Dr. Karen Hardy