President's Message - March 2026

On one of the coldest evenings of the year, many of you bundled up, braved the ice, and joined us at Craft Beer Market for our “Meet the Board” social. Your presence, laughter, and thoughtful questions turned a frigid Calgary night into a genuinely warm gathering, and I want to extend a heartfelt thank‑you to everyone who showed up and stayed to connect. Events like this remind us that ICF Calgary is much more than a professional network; it is a community where we learn together, share honestly, and support each other’s growth.

2026 Board Nominations Are Open!

With that same spirit of connection and service, I am delighted to share that nominations are now open for the 2026/27 ICF Calgary Board of Directors. Our chapter is powered by volunteers, and each year a new team of leaders steps forward to guide our strategy, steward our resources, and shape the member experience. If you have ever wondered what happens “behind the scenes” in the chapter, or how you might have a voice in what comes next, this is your invitation to consider serving.

Serving on the Board offers many benefits: you deepen relationships with fellow coaches and leaders, often forming partnerships and friendships that last well beyond a term; you increase your professional visibility and credibility with clients and organizations; and you grow your leadership capabilities in governance, collaboration, and strategic thinking, all of which you can bring back into your coaching and organizational work. If you feel a nudge of curiosity, I encourage you to explore it. You do not need to have it all figured out to put your name forward; you only need a commitment to grow, contribute, and live our ICF values.

A New Position on the Board: Director of Credentialing

This year, we have also re‑designated one of our Board positions as the Director of Credentialing so that we can more intentionally support you in your ICF credential journey.

Globally, ICF Credentialing exists to ensure a consistent, rigorous, and ethical credentialing process for coaches. At the chapter level, a Director focused on credentialing aligns our local efforts with that global standard and brings those resources closer to home.

The Director of Credentialing will raise awareness of the value of ICF credentials (ACC, PCC, MCC) and help members understand the pathway that best fits their experience and goals. This role will curate and share resources about the credentialing process, including education requirements, mentor coaching, exam preparation, and renewal timelines. It will also help coordinate local learning and support opportunities, such as information sessions, peer groups, or connections to mentor coaches, so members are not navigating the process alone. In short, this role exists to make credentialing more transparent, less overwhelming, and more accessible for our Calgary coaching community.

If you are drawn to professional development, standards, and supporting fellow coaches in their growth, the Director of Credentialing may be an excellent fit for you.

More broadly, any Board role offers the chance to influence the direction of our chapter, stay closely connected to ICF priorities, and help shape how coaching is experienced and understood in Southern Alberta. Volunteering also keeps you in close contact with the local coaching community, which can be energizing and inspiring, especially if you spend much of your time in solo practice.

If a full Board role feels like too big a step right now, you can still get involved through committees, event support, or special projects. There is room for different capacities and seasons of life, and we are always happy to discuss what might fit.

You are always welcome to reach out to me and to any member of the Board with questions about coaching, your credential path, your business, or how to get more involved in the chapter. This includes questions about nominations, board responsibilities, and the redesigned Director of Credentialing role. We are committed to being a supportive, inclusive community where every member feels they belong and can contribute meaningfully.

What's Next for the Calgary Chapter of ICF Calgary?

Looking ahead, we continue to work to make coaching more visible and accessible in our city, model the kind of generous collaboration we want to see in the world, and take the next steps together in becoming our best selves as coaches and as people. Whether that step for you is applying for the Board, joining a committee, attending an event, or simply reaching out for a conversation, your engagement matters. Thank you again for showing up at Craft Beer Market in the middle of a deep freeze, and for all the ways you contribute to the heartbeat of ICF Calgary throughout the year.