ICF New Jersey Annual Meeting: Highlights of Growth, Gratitude & Transformation
Posted by Sue - Admin on Nov. 25, 2025 / Subscribe 0
On November 5, 2025, the Chapter's Annual Meeting, hosted by President Kelli Kombat, opened with a clear purpose:
“The whole point of tonight is to celebrate. To look back at the year in case there were things you didn’t know we did.”
The evening honored member wins, volunteer efforts, and new programs that shaped the chapter this year.
Release of ICF New Jersey Brand Video
The meeting began with viewing a brand video created by the Strategic Partnerships Committee, led by Debbie Godfrey. It captured the heart of coaching in simple, clear language.
A Year of Transformation
Kelli shared that the board started 2025 with one guiding word: transformation. It came from longtime mentor and ICF New Jersey member Coach Willa Edgerton Chisler. The guiding word shaped every decision this year. Member feedback led to more programming, more CCEs, and enhanced technology for user experience.
IDEAS Woven Throughout
“We have coaches from all walks of life. It is important to know that we are coming from all walks of life.”
A DEI pulse survey gathered input from 42 members from more than 140 anonymous members selected at random, with member tenure ranging from six months to 27 years. Almost 60 percent of our members rated their sense of belonging as excellent.
The IDEAS Advisory Council, led by Dr. Mindy Gewirtz, kept the IDEAS principles (inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility, and solidarity) focused on their transformative efforts for members. Dr. Mindy added:
“We want IDEAS woven into the culture. We do that through communication, education, and evaluation.”
The work will continue to build on the IDEAS principles.
Membership and Financial Updates
Membership continues to grow, now nearing 700. Out of this number, Kelli shared: “428 of them are credentialed.”
The chapter delivered more than 80 core competency hours and almost 30 member-led events.
Treasurer Bernice Caruso Donato reported steady financial health, adding “We are in a really good position financially and on target with our budgets.”
Moments of Gratitude
Kelli closed the year with heartfelt thanks to volunteers, mentors, as well as outgoing and incoming board members.
“Thank you to Kathleen Cashman Walter for being a personal mentor to me. Thank you to you personally, Bernice, for your friendship and support and the process updates you helped revolutionize.” Kelli also acknowledged Operations Lead Sue Amdur. “We could not have done all of what we have done this year and beyond without you.”
Kelli ended on a note of appreciation to all and shared much more to come!
Take the Next Step & Stay Connected
If you missed the Chapter's Annual Meeting, listen to the recording here: ICF New Jersey Annual Meeting
As a member, what an awesome time to get involved! Reach out to other coaches, explore volunteer opportunities to “get in where you can fit in.” There is always room for you here.
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