Articles

President's Letter: March 2026

SHORT-TERM PROJECT WORK: Call for 3 Members to Serve on the 2026 Nominating Committee

As we close out the year, I want to take a moment to express how grateful I am for each of you. Our chapter is stronger today To ensure a smooth and compliant leadership transition, ICF North Florida is immediately forming our 2026 Nominating Committee.

We are seeking three (3) members to serve in this critical short-term governance role. If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact me directly at 404.936.1286 or email me at [email protected].

Why This Matters

The Nominating Committee is responsible for identifying and recommending candidates for open board positions whose terms conclude this year. This ensures continuity, transparency, and alignment with our bylaws.

The following board positions will be open:

• Programming Director (currently Amanda Connelly)

• President-Elect (currently Lisa Kuruvilla)

• Membership Director (currently Ginny Ellsworth)

• Treasurer/Secretary (currently vacant)

The Committee will submit a recommended slate of candidates to the current Board for review and approval. Pending Board approval, the slate will be presented to membership for vote by the end of July.

The newly elected Board will be installed September 1, 2026.

Timeline

• Committee activated immediately

• Interviews and recommendations completed by July 17

• Slate presented for Board approval on July 21

• Membership vote by end of July

This is a short-term, focused project with a defined completion date.

Estimated time commitment: 3–5 total hours between now and July 17.

Nominating Committee Responsibilities

• Review open board role descriptions

• Invite and interview interested candidates

• Assess readiness and fit

• Collaboratively recommend a slate of candidates

This committee serves as a neutral steward of our succession process.

If you are willing to serve in this critically important role, please contact me directly.

Strong governance begins with thoughtful succession.

Spring Chapter Gathering – Interest & Leadership Needed

Many members shared that the 2024 Coaching in Nature event at the Arboretum was a truly meaningful experience. Those who attended expressed strong interest in doing something similar again.

The Board has allocated limited funds in the budget to support a Spring chapter-wide gathering — if there is sufficient interest and a member willing to lead it.

A return to a nature-based experience is one possible option, but it does not have to be. We welcome creative ideas that foster meaningful connection across our large region.

However, we do need someone willing to spearhead the planning effort.

Planning would include:

• Exploring venue options

• Coordinating logistics (with administrative support available)

• Partnering with the Board for budget alignment

If you are interested in leading a Spring chapter gathering, please contact me directly at 404.936.1286 or email me at [email protected].

With leadership, we can move forward. Without it, we will pause for this season.

The Table | Feed Your Practice. Savor Connection. Nourish Your Soul

(left to right):  Karen Anderson, Dale Beaman, Della Shaw, Katie Kight, Mary Scheidt

On December 11, 2025, members of ICF North Florida gathered once again around The Table—a space created for open conversation, shared learning, and connection. As always, the discussion was candid, thoughtful, and grounded in the real work of coaching.

The conversation focused on the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in coaching.

The group explored the trend of Avatar Coaches and the many ways AI is already influencing coaching work. One participant introduced a recent study that found no difference in client satisfaction between Avatar (AI) and Human Coaches. While there are nuances to the study, and its findings are not conclusive, it is worth considering as we adapt to our changing environment and leverage AI in service to our clients.

Participants shared how they are using AI thoughtfully and transparently in their practices, including:

Karen Anderson, PCC, reviewed the updated ICF Competency Indicators and noted that, while the Core Competencies have not changed, the indicators now more clearly address confidentiality and the ethical use of AI. This guidance is timely as technology continues to evolve. (see article, “AI and the Updated ICF Competency Indicators: What You Need to Know”).  

While AI can be a helpful support, the coach remains fully responsible for presence, judgment, ethics, and meaning-making.

Participants shared safeguards, including informed consent, clear contract language regarding their use of AI, disclaimers, de-identification of participant names, and a clear role for AI tools.

Participants’ Key Reflections and Takeaways:

Gratitude for The Table

Participants expressed appreciation for having a trusted space to speak openly about the realities of coaching. In a profession that can sometimes feel isolating, The Table provides connection, shared insight, and community.

One message stood out clearly: being in community matters. Experiences like The Table help us build relationships that extend well beyond a single conversation.

Join us for our next one on February 12!