Platform Statement- Kelli Swanson Jaecks, RDH, BSDH, MA
Candidate for ADHA President-Elect

You made a strategic and important investment in me last year, by voting me in as your VP. And I wholeheartedly thank you. As your Vice President I have actively engaged in every opportunity presented to me to provide input, enhance my leadership skills and drive our association forward. My experiences this year deepened my commitment to this association, and to you, our members. I am ready to serve as your President-Elect.

As an essential contributor to your leadership team this past year, I vigorously supported the changes in the strategic plan to increase focus on enhancing strategic alliances, and to empower you, our member. I was active in the process of updating the Executive Director’s job description, expectations and evaluations. As chair of the Committee on Procedures, I facilitated the streamlining of our leadership documents and directives. While working on the IOH renewal overhaul, we focused on fundraising, the 100th Gala, and appropriate management of the Institute. I participated in the ASEA symposium for association leaders, emphasizing best practices and governance. The experiences and perspective I gained as an executive officer are essential to anyone who will become your ADHA President.

My personal passions are communication and advocacy. Communication is how we, as dental hygienists, gain power and influence in our very real David and Goliath world. Deliberately positioning ourselves within the oral health care industry is critical to the future of our profession. ADHA is increasingly invited to engage in strategic discussions concerning the future of oral health care and the hygienists’ place within it. I am committed to aggressively delivering our message at every available opportunity.

Advocacy must be a primary focus as ADHA continues to support you in your state efforts to remove legislative and regulatory limitations that restrict you from working at the highest level of your education and licensure. Last year, 56% of our states pursued workforce initiatives and 35% of states pursued some level of direct access legislation. We must build on this momentum, laboring to bring positive change for the public we serve.

I will work to lead a contemporary, effective and relevant association. As a collaborative leader, I will continue to listen and act wisely, seeking to fulfill all areas of our strategic plan. I am absolutely committed to empowering you as a dental hygienist to achieve your full potential as you seek to improve the public’s oral health.