A Shared Milestone
This January, something historic took place in our coaching community: the ICF New Mexico and ICF Arizona chapters officially joined forces to become one unified chapter serving coaches across the desert Southwest.
From the New Mexico perspective, this moment carries both reflection and celebration. It marks a conscious choice to place long-term mission, sustainability, and impact at the center of our governance decisions.
The Reality of a Small but Dedicated Chapter
For years, ICF New Mexico was a small but fiercely dedicated chapter, sustained by a committed corps of service-oriented volunteers who showed up time and again because they cared deeply about our mission and our members. What we lacked, however, was not heart. As ICF New Mexico Past President Shelly Lanier aptly named it, we lacked bench strength. Like many small nonprofits, we struggled with succession planning and long-term sustainability. Despite sincere effort and thoughtful leadership, structural realities were impossible to ignore.
Asking the Hard Questions
In January 2025, our board entered a period of honest soul-searching. We asked hard questions that many nonprofit leaders face: What does it truly mean to steward an organization in long-term service of its mission? How do we prioritize sustainability over sentiment? And when does holding on become less responsible than letting go?
Exploring the possibility of joining forces with another ICF chapter was not an act of resignation; it was an act of courage and imagination.
Guided by Experience and Expertise
We were fortunate to be guided by exceptional leadership throughout this process. Former ICF New Mexico Board President Deb Thompson brought deep nonprofit governance expertise that helped us navigate these questions with clarity and integrity. Jackie Appleby, of Diligent Assistant, contributed invaluable operational experience, having supported other successful ICF chapter mergers. Their combined perspectives helped us move forward with confidence and care.
Choosing the Right Partner
We reached out to neighboring chapters, first Colorado and then Arizona, with whom we already shared Professional Development initiatives. After thoughtful conversations, it became clear that Arizona was the right partner for this next chapter of our story.
We then reached out to our stakeholders — ICF New Mexico coaches. They responded positively, with one clear concern: that ICF New Mexico’s identity would not simply dissolve into that of its larger neighbor.
Building a Shared Leadership Model
ICF Arizona President-elect Torrie Taj immediately recognized the value of the idea and welcomed it wholeheartedly, pending consultation with her board. She took New Mexico members’ concerns to heart and prioritized a shared leadership model, ensuring a meaningful voice throughout the transition to our new shared identity. What followed was two months of careful, collaborative work, balancing thoughtful consideration with the pressing deadline of the calendar year.
From Intention to Commitment
On December 5, 2025, four delegates from the ICF New Mexico Board and the full ICF Arizona Board gathered in person at Child Crisis Arizona headquarters in Mesa for an all-day retreat. From New Mexico’s perspective, we could not have been made to feel more welcome. That day marked a turning point: intention became commitment.
Then, on January 13, 2026, in a virtual meeting, we made history together. The board voted unanimously, and two became one.
Gratitude and the Road Ahead: ICF Southwest
Letting go of local governance to become part of something larger reflects leadership maturity. While not easy, this choice created space for something stronger, more resilient, and more connected to emerge.
We are deeply grateful to the ICF New Mexico Board members, past and present, whose integrity, thoughtfulness, and courage made this possible. We are equally grateful to our ICF Arizona colleagues for their generous and inclusive vision. Soon-to-be ICF Southwest Committee co-chairs in Marketing, Member Services and Engagement, Professional Development, and Outreach and Partnerships are already shaping our shared identity.
I am honored to serve on the ICF Southwest Board as Co-Director of Marketing and Communications with Erika Michelle during this critical integration year. We are fortunate to have Torrie Taj at the helm, one of the most capable nonprofit leaders I have had the privilege to work with. I am excited to be in community with my Arizona coaching colleagues.
Here’s to ICF Southwest — a stronger, more connected home for coaches across our beautiful desert region, rooted in collaboration, courage, and shared purpose, ready to serve with professionalism and heart.