Congratulations to the 2023 Chapter Leaders of the Year!
This award is given to recognize individuals for outstanding continuous leadership, accomplishments and support of the society at the chapter level.
Petra C. Taylor, CDFM, Redstone Huntsville Chapter
Petra Taylor became an active member in January 2009 and received her Certified Defense Financial Management (CDFM) in October 2010. Ms. Taylor is extremely organized and focused on continuously improving the chapter. She brings a positive high energy and a personal touch in every area she supports. Her knowledge and prior support with the ASMC Sandhills Chapter Ft. Bragg, NC has provided the Redstone-Huntsville Chapter additional resources.
Ms. Taylor stepped up and became the Programs Committee Chairman after her predecessor resigned responsibilities due to work conflicts. We have monthly Professional Development Events and Ms. Taylor has been instrumental in getting us some premier speakers as well as helping assist in hybrid onsite/virtual events so that anyone and everyone could attend. This was a challenging task, but she prevailed and led us to a great meeting to promote the meaning behind ASMC.
Ms. Taylor has been extremely instrumental in the 2022-2023 program year success as the Programs Chair and supported and volunteered in several chapter community projects. Her dedication and hard work supporting the monthly professional development meeting scheduling and coordinating speakers and supporting annual Huntsville Heroes week, community clean-up projects, and volunteering at the ASMC Mini PDI events should not be unnoticed.
Elena V. Baykal, Cleveland Chapter
Elena has served the Cleveland Chapter and the local financial management community in a variety of capacities. She is a servant leader who does not shy away from whatever role where she is most needed at any given time. When serving as the Secretary of the Chapter, she ensured that all communications were clear, approved by the President or Pres-Elect, and sent in a timely manner. She captured Board Meeting minutes to ensure Chapter business could be shared transparently with all members. She led efforts to publish Chapter newsletters. As President, Pres-Elect, and Past President, she encourages non-members to join and has volunteered for non-member outreach during in-person membership drives. She builds rapport with other officers and ensures the chapter has quality nominees ready to take on officer roles each program year. She leads by empowering others and holding them accountable for the tasks expected of them.