August 26, 2004
Dear DATIA Members,
A new step in DATIA’s growth and maturity is now in process, which will bring increased resources to the association. In early September, I will turn over the executive director position to our existing staff person Melissa Moskal, and move to the managing director position.
Over the past seven years, I have totally immersed myself in drug and alcohol testing issues and policy, and greatly enjoy this work and the people I meet and work with in the industry. I am looking forward to guiding DATIA forward through mentoring a new executive who will bring an additional perspective to managing the association’s operations. Through participating in and witnessing DATIA's exponential growth to its present place as the leading industry association, I see its enormous potential and very much want to continue to use my knowledge and experience to increase DATIA's membership services and programs. As managing director, I will be responsible for guiding the new executive director in the operational management of DATIA and working to identify new areas in which DATIA can better serve the industry for everyone's benefit.
Many of you recently have met our new executive director Melissa Moskal in her interim position of director of government relations, where she has already made great strides on DATIA's behalf. Melissa comes to DATIA with much experience in public relations and working on policy issues. She has most recently worked with various transportation organizations on many issues including drug and alcohol testing. The experience and energy that Melissa brings to DATIA will provide a fresh perspective to the many issues facing the industry today, and advance the association to the next level.
During the first week of September, each of you will be receiving your DATIA newsletter that provides additional information about Melissa as well as DATIA's 2004-2005 Agenda. I am confident that you will be excited about DATIA's upcoming initiatives and the progress to be made over the coming years. I thank each of you for your support over the past seven years, and look forward to what DATIA's future will bring. I especially look forward to seeing you all at DATIA's 10th Anniversary celebration next May in Orlando.
Best Regards,
Laura E. Shelton
