As TMA Global president last year, one of my primary goals was to lead TMA to a place where it would be more forward-facing. To that end we set out to raise the profile of the organization both in North America and internationally. Now, as TMA Global chair, I have established the goal of highlighting the benefits for our members of being part of an international association in the restructuring space and our international growth, and, with that, TMA will be more forward-facing not just in North America, but worldwide.

In November, I had the privilege of participating in an all-Europe chapter presidents meeting. At that gathering I learned a great deal more about our international chapters. But most of all, I leaned how the issues they face, and what they want to ensure a meaningful TMA experience, are not so different from what our North American chapters face.

Following that meeting, which also included a networking event with an enthusiastic group of organizers who will shortly help us launch a new chapter in France, I gained a better understanding about the importance of TMA, largely because we truly are an international organization with a worldwide presence unsurpassed by any organization in the corporate restructuring space.

Now we embark on creating greater connectivity between our international chapters and TMA Global, and ensuring better communications between and among our international chapters. We will bring our international leaders together for thought leadership more often. And we will create opportunities for enhanced Global support to bring more value to TMA as an international organization as well as to ensure that our members worldwide appreciate the value of membership in a new way.

In addition to all of this advancement, at our board meeting in Las Vegas on February 4, we approved the formation of an official TMA International Committee. Together with TMA Global International Vice President Enrica Ghia, we will build a committee with a diverse group of professionals from around the world to assist in evaluating opportunities and initiatives. Taking the findings of last year’s International Strategy Working Group, we have a strong foundation to work with and will develop new opportunities to strengthen our international chapters.

The highlight of 2020 and my role in leading the international effort is our inaugural TMA Global-hosted International Symposium, which will be held in London in November. At that time, we will again convene an international Chapter Presidents meeting; a networking event joining our leaders from North America, Europe, and beyond; and a symposium to share with our international members a global perspective of the power of TMA.

I am honored to be able to lead TMA in this exciting direction. By the end of 2020 we will have made significant progress toward a more forward-facing international TMA, creating a more connected experience for our members worldwide. We will have paved the way for new and enhanced opportunities as we grow ever more important for all of our members.