Inside NIRMA Fall 2020

From the President
Michelle M. Smith
e had a wonderful Conference
W
this past August. Our
presenters spoke on issues that
are relevant to the Nuclear
Industry and presented us with
challenges and solutions that will help
define a path for our future. As the
nuclear industry continues to adapt to
the many challenges presented from
COVID-19, our facilities will continue
to look for efficiencies to drive changes
to help the nuclear economy. Our
hybrid conference was an example of
how to adapt when presented with
challenges.
As nuclear professionals, we not only
have to be willing and able, but also
ready to accept challenges. That is what
makes being a member of NIRMA
important. NIRMA offers our
membership technical guidance, an
avenue for networking not just during
the conference, but daily and a platform
to make a difference in our industry. I
observed many healthy conversations
generated throughout the conference,
which provided our membership with
firsthand information on industry best
practices.
This year’s conference focused on
many diverse topics. We heard from
Colleen McClanahan who shared
information on how the Federal Bureau
of Investigation (FBI) Counters the
Radiological Threat. Steve Weissman
spoke on Pain and Glory: Records in
the 21 st Century and Karen Fili spoke
on Crisis Leadership: Safe and Sound,
which addressed issues associated with
COVID-19. In addition to our keynote
speakers, we had the opportunity to
hear from our vendors as they shared
valuable information on industry
products and services. The topics
shared during the conference plays an
A monthly Webinar
series has been
planned that will
enhance educational
opportunities amongst
our membership
beyond the annual
Conference.
important role in Strategic Planning. If
you attended the Conference and
missed any of the speakers or vendors,
please access the NIRMA conference
application for information. This
application will be available to our
attendees until December 1, 2020.
A significant part of creating the path
for the future is ensuring alignment with
our goals. The NIRMA board members
met to review the Strategic Plan and the
2020 goals. One goal is to assist in the
educational development of our
members through a variety of means.
A monthly Webinar series has been
planned that will enhance educational
opportunities amongst our membership
beyond the annual Conference.
Additionally, NIRMA’s Professional
Development Business Unit created a
Mentorship Program to assist with the
knowledge transfer between our sage
members and newer members. We
have many volunteer members with an
array of knowledge (mentors) that we
have begun pairing with several newer
members (mentees) who have asked for
assistance with a variety of topics.
Sharing our knowledge with one
another is a great way to ensure our
future success. We are looking to add
to our bank of mentors who would be
willing to pass along their knowledge to
others in NIRMA.
Another important goal is to look for
ways to increase membership. Please
realize that each of us can assist by
sharing information about NIRMA with
our peers and colleagues in an effort to
ensure the growth of our organization.
These are just a few examples of
how your active participation in
NIRMA can make a difference.
As president, I will continue to look
for opportunities to ensure alignment
with our 2020 goals and to ensure
further opportunities for 2021. Your
input is very important to the success of
NIRMA. Please submit any ideas that
you may have to nirma@nirma.org.
20 Fall 2020 NIRMA.org Inside NIRMA