IIBA® Northeast Wisconsin Chapter® held it's annual general meeting the evening of February 19th.  As part of the meeting, the chapter celebrated 10 Years of incorporation.  In respect of the major milestone, the chapter announced a new Chapter Recognition Award program in an effort to honor those who have greatly contributed to the chapter's success.  Three awards were presented in total with recognition for Volunteerism, Pioneering, and Partnership.
 
The first award presented was the Volunteer Award which serves to recognize someone who has devoted a significant amount of time and professional services to the Chapter.  Cheri Schettl, a senior business systems analyst at UnitedHealth Group, was the recipient of this award.  Cheri is a charter member and a principle incorporating officer of the Chapter.   She is a CPA and filed the articles of incorporation with the state of Wisconsin and drafted the Chapter's bylaws.   She has served the Chapter as the Vice President of Finance and a member of the board of directors throughout the Chapter's 10 year history.  Cheri was also one of the principle incorporating officer and past Treasurer of WI BADD.
 
Second, is a Pioneer Award recognizing someone who was willing to do something no one has ever done before with our Chapter.  Tammy Miller, a principal business analyst at Oshkosh Defense, received the Pioneer award being recognized as the first Certified Business Analysis Professional, CBAP® with the Chapter.  Tammy received this award in the early years of the Chapter when the certification was just being released by IIBA.  Tammy was also a charter member with the chapter having been a member all 10 years as well as serving in multiple capacities on the Board to include Chapter President.   Tammy's response to receiving the award, "I was very surprised and honored to receive the Pioneer Award.  I pursued my CBAP to solidify my career direction as a Business Analyst. I am glad the BA role has received more recognition and definition in the past 10 years.  When I talk to people about the role, they understand what a BA does and the value they bring to a project."
 
Finally, the Partner Award was presented to recognize a partner who has provided corporate services to the chapter vital to the chapter's success.    Praxilient's founder and CEO, Mark Swiderski, was chosen for he has been a tremendous mentor and adviser to the chapter from the very inception of the idea to start the chapter.  Mark has also provided several talks to the chapter membership at various chapter leader and member events over the years last presenting in January 2018 on the topics of running effective meetings.  Mark was appreciative and shared with the chapter, "Thank you for the great honor." and "It is unbelievable that it has been ten years.  It seems like it was just yesterday.  The industry and profession have grown up around us.  It was great to be a part this experience of it in some way."
 
About IIBA® Northeast Wisconsin Chapter®.  Chartered in 2008 and incorporated in 2009, the IIBA NEW Chapter has for 10+ years served the community of Northeast Wisconsin.  The mission of the IIBA® Northeast Wisconsin Chapter is to provide opportunities for education, sharing and continuous improvement so that we promote business analysis within organizations in our community. Membership has grown to as many as 100+ over the years delivering keynote speaker events throughout the year as well as sponsoring WI-BADD, the Wisconsin Business Analysis Development Day.  IIBA® is the International Institute of Business Analysis which provides thought leadership and certification for business analysis professionals around the world.