On June 3, 2025, NetVU held its Annual Meeting of Members—an event that not only reflected on a year of growth and innovation but also set a bold vision for the future. With strong participation from members across the country, the meeting offered updates, recognized outstanding contributions, and marked an exciting leadership transition.
A Community Strengthened by Members
@Jim Rogers, outgoing Chairman of the Board, opened the meeting with a heartfelt acknowledgment of NetVU’s evolving strength: its members. Under his leadership, NetVU expanded member engagement through initiatives and new role-based networking formats at Accelerate. The 2025 Accelerate conference featured cutting-edge sessions, industry-leading presenters. Rogers credited the continued success to the passion and involvement of the NetVU community, reinforcing that the organization remains member-first.
A New Era of Leadership
Incoming Chair @Shyla Lankford shared her vision for a more digitally connected, role-based community model—one that reflects how modern professionals engage and learn. Her priorities include:
- Launching a 365-day education model with bite-sized content, deeper in-person events, and a soon-to-be-introduced premium membership offering enhanced services.
- Growing flagship events like Accelerate and Spark, with special focus on small agencies and emerging segments.
- Reimagining NetVU “chapters” as communities centered around roles, tools, and business needs.
Recognizing Excellence and Welcoming New Leaders
The meeting celebrated the contributions of volunteers, including departing board members @Jeffrey Dromeshauser and @Kate O'Toole, both praised for their leadership and vision. The new Executive Board was also installed, with Shyla Lankford officially becoming Chairman. @Bonnie Wood and @Anthony Gardner will serve as Chairman-Elect and Secretary/Treasurer, respectively, while @Angelica Reitman and @Henry Risman join as new At-Large Directors. The new board term begins July 1.
Commitment to Collaboration and Growth
Throughout the meeting, the strong partnership between NetVU and Vertafore was highlighted. Leaders emphasized that Vertafore’s continued investment in the NetVU community ensures that membership remains free and highly valuable. Shyla closed the meeting by inviting members—new and veteran alike—to stay engaged, learn, and consider volunteering.
Looking Ahead
As NetVU builds on its momentum, it’s clear the organization is not just reacting to industry changes—it’s helping lead them. With a sharper focus on tailored education, broader engagement, and inclusive community-building, 2025 promises to be a landmark year.
Watch Annual Meeting Recording
If you’ve been thinking about getting more involved with NetVU, now is the perfect time to raise your hand. One small step could turn into a transformative journey.