With the 67th Annual Convention around the corner, GAWDA President Lloyd Robinson’s term is coming to a close. A full and active year it has been for President Robinson, who guided the association through a critical period of transition and growth. “We took on many difficult tasks and really got a lot accomplished this year,” he says.
One of those tasks was building the synergy between GAWDA and the American Welding Society, which was brought on to manage the association in June 2010, only a few months before Robinson’s term began. Robinson also oversaw the association’s search for a new executive director that led to the appointment of John Ospina. “I was proud to lead the committee,” he says. “We got the right person for the job.”
Despite all that GAWDA accomplished under Robinson’s watch, there was one thing on his wish list that Robinson says he would have liked to accomplish given more time. “A year is a very short amount of time,” he laments, adding that he would like to see a structured regional meeting template and a calendar to help members maximize the value of these events.
Looking back, Robinson says his presidency has given him an appreciation for finding balance in the flow of the association. “It is important to hold onto traditions that are worth holding onto, but at the same time we can never lose sight of the fact that the organization must constantly evolve and reinvent itself to stay relevant through the times.”
Robinson says that he will cherish the camaraderie and relationships he built over the past year. “The kind words and support I’ve received from the past presidents over this year means a great deal to me,” he says. “I want to thank the members for the support they’ve given me over the last year. It’s because of the great membership that we have that GAWDA is the successful industry association that it is.”
Lloyd Robinson will deliver his final address as president at GAWDA’s 67th Annual Convention in New York City, before turning the reins over to incoming president Bryan Keen.
