President's Address

Dear Colleagues and Friends:

      It is a great honor and privilege for me to assume the role of President of COMPA for 2011-2012 (until ASPA 2012 National Conference). COMPA has established a long history of being an organization where professionals from public administration as well as students in the same field can prosper and grow. The professional organization plays a critical role in helping to address societal problems through the use of experts in the field of public administration. Therefore, I commit to provide the leadership the Association requires in order to achieve its objectives and implement its strategies. Furthermore, I am committed to listen and respond to your needs as members and work very closely with all of you to help COMPA continue to prosper and grow.

     My goal for the next year is to work with all members, as well as non-members, to continue to strive to move COMPA forward as a premiere public service and public administration organization. Those who have steered the organization along this path of growth have done so in a responsive way to ensure appropriate adjustment and continuity in the organization’s affairs. I won’t try to reinvent the wheel but rather I would like to capitalize on my predecessor’s work to attract more attendees and participants to the 2012 Conference and to COMPA itself. The 2012 Conference is especially unique as it will be held in the Rio Grande Valley area in McAllen, South Texas. Be sure to take this opportunity to become immersed in the cultural diversity of the region.

     I would also like to focus on broadening COMPA’s relationship with the public administration practitioner on the local, state and national level. Because of my work with the Moroccan Government at the Ministry of Higher Education, I would like to expand our reach internationally. COMPA has established a history of activities dedicated to international cooperation and collaboration in Public Administration and public policy development to address the social, economic and environmental issues confronting the world. I had the privilege to attend some International conferences to share knowledge and expertise in some African Countries to enhance and promote capacity building. A number of our members have international connections and I feel that our group has great potential to make positive connections.

     Last but not least, I would like to increase and expand COMPA’s relationship with college and university public administration programs and students throughout the country. With my Middle East North African background and my position as a professor at an Hispanic Serving Institution, I am working to expand this relationship and reach-out to this segment of the population.

     In closing, I look forward to serving you as incoming President.  I would like to thank my colleagues and mentors for this wonderful opportunity. Your help and support is needed with the above areas. I am a strong believer in teamwork and an organization on the move. All of you are invited to sign up on Facebook and be a part of a dialogue and forum for ideas. Thanks also to my colleagues and the administration at The University of Texas-Pan American who came together to ensure a successful conference.  I look forward to greeting you at this year’s conference - “Beyond Diversity: Bridging Cultural Barriers through Excellence in Public Service Delivery”.

Aziza Zemrani  - COMPA President 2011-2012