It is an honor to serve as the President of the American Academy of Health Physics in 2018. I would like to express my appreciation for the work of Past President Kyle Kleinhans and his predecessor, Kent Lambert. I have been impressed by their energy in questioning the status quo and pushing towards continuous improvement of Academy operations. I look forward to working with President-Elect Andy Miller and the other officers and members of the Executive Committee, as well as the dedicated group of CHPs serving on Academy committees, the ABHP and the Panel of Examiners - CHPs who are dedicated to improving the examination process and services to our members. It is an exciting time to be involved in the mission and activities of the Academy and the Board. We are moving forward on a number of initiatives that will ultimately benefit exam candidates, the examination panels, the Board and all members of the Academy.

The Academy owes many thanks to current ABHP Chair Bill Rhodes, and the members of the Board, who have been engaged in efforts to transition to an on-line exam management and recordkeeping system. This will both reduce the cost and effort needed to deliver and maintain the current manual, paper-based system, and will enhance security of the process. Beginning this year, the exam application process is being conducted on-line through the ABHP website, including submission, Board review and notification of approval to sit for the exam. Another big change involves use of commercial testing company to deliver Part I of the exam in regional testing centers the week before the Health Physics Society's Annual Meeting in July. While no changes are planned for Part II of the exam during 2018, the Board is working towards electronic delivery of this Part, as well as an on-line recertification process for current CHPs.

We would like to welcome the 66 newly certified CHPs, and I encourage each of you to become involved in the activities of the Academy. Many opportunities exist to become involved, including participation on the exam panels and standing committees of the Academy and volunteering to run for elective office. This past year we welcomed new Program Director Amy Wride-Graney, replacing longtime Executive Director Nancy Johnson. While we have missed Nancy's smiling face, Amy has stepped in and ably filled Nancy's shoes in carrying on the work of the Academy while navigating the many changes that are in process. Amy is always available to answer questions and assist candidates and members of the Academy, and I look forward to working with her during 2018.

Finally, I want to encourage all CHPs to also hold membership in the Health Physics Society. The HPS supports the Academy through providing venues at the Mid-Year and Annual Meetings for our Academy training courses, as well as opportunities for obtaining continuing education credits through the HPS Professional Enrichment Program courses. Membership in the HPS also provides access to the HP Journal, HP News, ANSI N13 and N43 standards and NCRP Reports (at discounted or no cost).

Your input to the Academy Executive Committee is important and I welcome your comments and suggestions. Please feel free to contact me with any comments or concerns.