President's Letter: January 2026
Happy New Year, North Florida Coaches!
As we step into 2026, I want to begin by saying how much I appreciate this community and the many ways you show up — often quietly — in service to one another and to the profession.
In November and December, we shared the launch of our Neighborhood GETs — Geographic Engagement Teams as a new foundation for connection across our large and diverse region. As with any grassroots effort, GETs grow not through structure alone, but through small, human moments of engagement over time.
January is not about doing more — it’s about starting simply.
Spring Into Connection (Beginning in March)
As we look ahead, we’re planning GET Spring Into Connection beginning in March, including:
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A chapter-wide meet-up (date and location TBD)
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Chapter support and sponsorship for local GET gatherings — whether that’s coffee, a walk-and-talk, or a casual meetup
If your local GET has an idea and needs support, please reach out to your GET Board Sponsor or any board member. We’re here to help make connection easy and accessible.
How You Can Participate (No Titles, No Pressure)
If you’re wondering how to engage without taking on a role or a big commitment, here are a few ways that truly matter:
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Invite one or two coaches nearby for coffee or a walk
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Welcome a new member in your area
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Introduce two coaches who live close to one another
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Share a photo, story, or reflection from a local moment of connection
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Support one Spring gathering in a way that fits your life
This work isn’t about leading — it’s about helping connection happen, one small step at a time.
As we move forward, our focus for 2026 remains grounded and clear:
Connection + Communication — close to home.
Thank you for being part of ICF North Florida and for helping build a chapter where distance doesn’t define us, and every voice has a place.
Warmly,
Jennifer Torres
President's Letter: December
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 because of the ways you have shown up — supporting one another, sharing your gifts, and building a community that truly reflects the spirit of coaching.
This year brought an exciting new step forward: the launch of our Neighborhood GETs — Geographic Engagement Teams. Every member of our chapter now belongs to a local GET automatically, making sure that no matter where you live in North Florida, you have a coaching community nearby.
Every one of you is already part of a GET, and each GET has a Board Sponsor. They are here to help your local GET feel like a home base — a place to land, share ideas, and stay supported by fellow coaches nearby.
Now, we need your help in bringing these teams fully to life.
We Need Your Voice: Volunteer GET Liaisons
Purpose:
Ensure every local GET stays connected, visible, and supported within our North Florida chapter community.
Core Responsibilities (light!)
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Connect your neighborhood GET with the chapter — keep your board sponsor in the loop on what’s happening locally
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Welcome new members in your area so they feel included right away
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Share updates, photos, and stories we can amplify in newsletters and chapter communications
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Celebrate members — spotlight a member or project from your GET periodically
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Help encourage gathering in ways that work best for your local area — coffee meetups, virtual chats, walk-and-talks, etc.
What the Role is Not
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Not formal, not high pressure
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No required schedule, structure, or event planning
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No administrative or reporting burden
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Not a “representative” position — just community care and communication
Why it matters
Florida is BIG — and many of us are hours apart. GETs help turn geographic distance into meaningful connection, neighbor to neighbor.
Liaisons help us stay united as ONE North Florida, ONE ICF Global — while honoring the uniqueness of each local community.
Connect With Your ICF North Florida Board — and Your GET Support Team
Your region’s board sponsor will be reaching out to help welcome you and connect you with fellow members nearby.
| GET Region | Coverage Areas | Board Sponsor(s) |
| GET 1 – Jacksonville Metro & Beaches | Jacksonville • Ponte Vedra • St. Johns • Atlantic Beach • Neptune Beach • Jacksonville Beach | Della Shaw [email protected] |
| GET 2 – Northeast / First Coast Corridor | St. Augustine • Palm Coast • Flagler Beach • Ormond Beach • Daytona Beach • DeLand | Lisa Kuruvilla [email protected] |
| GET 3 – North Central | Gainesville • Alachua County • Ocala • Marion County | Jennifer Torres [email protected] |
| GET 4 – Big Bend Region | Tallahassee • Leon County • Wakulla County • Jefferson County | Ginny Ellsworth & Amanda Connelly [email protected] [email protected] |
| GET 5 – Emerald Coast / Panhandle | Destin • Fort Walton Beach • Santa Rosa Beach • Rosemary Beach • Panama City | Ginny Ellsworth & Amanda Connelly [email protected] [email protected] |
| GET 6 – West Central / Nature Coast | Lake City • Live Oak • Perry • Chiefland • Surrounding rural counties | Jennifer Torres [email protected] |
As we move into 2026, our focus is simple:
connection + communication — close to home.
Together, we are building something meaningful — a chapter where distance doesn’t define us, and every voice is heard.
Warm wishes for a happy holiday season!
Jennifer Torres
President, ICF North Florida
