The New York State Directors of Volunteer Services (NYSADVS) 22nd Annual Professional Development Conference, co-sponsored by the Greater New York and Rochester Chapters, was held from June 5-7, 2006, in beautiful Saratoga Springs, NY. Approximately 100 members, representing the eight chapters of the organization, were in attendance. The program, created by Cecilia Carroll and Kathleen Donnelly of the Long Island Chapter, aptly reflected the theme of the conference and afforded attendees the opportunity to hear nationally recognized speakers present on topics such as leadership, service excellence, health care finance, and emerging trends and best practices in volunteer resources management. Of particular note was the presentation by NYSADVS’ own Barbara Hudson, CVS, Director of Volunteer Services at North Shore University Hospital-Manhasset Campus. Her amazing tale of “Katrina’s Boutique: A Journey to Self Esteem”, detailing how she was inspired to aid the women of Hancock Medical Center in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, moved and inspired everyone.

A major highlight of the conference was the special event, “Discover the Treasures of Saratoga”, hosted by the Greater New York Chapter, and held at the National Museum of Dance & Hall of Fame. This lovely evening, conceived and created by Mimi Makovitzky-Feinstein and Bonnie Klima-Olsen, Conference Co-Chairs, provided attendees with an evening of dance, dining and discovery. The event also served as the culmination of the Treasure Hunt, a two-day event during which the eight chapters competed to answer Saratoga-related questions and receive clues to decipher a code leading to the grand prize. The Central Chapter reigned supreme and went home with a brand-new laptop computer.

Another highlight of the conference was the installation of the 2006-2008 Board of NYSADVS. GNYADVS proudly congratulates Maria Burns, CAVS, Director of Volunteer Services at New York Hospital Queens, who was sworn in as Vice President. Maria is a past president of the Greater New York Chapter and, prior to assuming her new position, served as Secretary of NYSADVS.