It’s May, which means graduation season is upon us. As I see commencement announcements for family and friends, I find myself mindful of the word “commencement.” A beginning or start.
Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.
This simple quote from Seneca has never felt so relevant or poignant. Maybe I’m waxing philosophical because I recently announced my retirement, and I’m thinking about what’s next for me and the CLM. Yes, you read that correctly. My retirement commences on June 1, when I taper to part-time to ensure continued progress as I pass the baton to the next person to lead this fantastic organization.
It’s so hard to believe that the CLM was created in 2007 and is now a thriving community of over 50,000 members. The Annual Conference grew from less than 100 to almost 2,000 attendees. Conferences, committees, and communities have flourished. Claims College developed from three schools to 11, and more than 2,000 designations have been conferred upon those who matriculated through this program and Litigation Management Institute.
But you, our members, are the heart of the CLM. Your insight is instrumental. When you asked us to drive diversity and inclusion, it inspired us to create a think tank. Your resourcefulness is unrivaled. I’m still amazed at the creative ways our local chapters stayed connected throughout the pandemic, from mindfulness coaching, to cooking lessons with culinary masters, to charity fundraisers. That is the power of community—and your passion is what I will miss most.
As they say, change is the only constant. While I’m excited to write the next chapter of my story, I’m picking up the pen with a hint of sadness in my heart. It has been an honor to be part of such an amazing community, and I am better for it. I take with me many memories, and thank you for the experience. Someone said, “It’s been a good run.” All I can think is “It’s been a wild ride.”
You will still hear from me as I start to retire, so this isn’t goodbye just yet! See you soon.
Anne Blume
CEO, CLM
anne.blume@theclm.org