As we close the 2008 CAPS year with the transfer of chair responsibilities in January at IBS, it is time to assess past accomplishments and future goals.

I had two goals as CAPS Chair: to ensure a strong future leadership base and to strengthen the existing, as well as to create new partnerships with similar minded working groups.

A year passes quickly and it takes a team to make progress in that time-span. What a team we have! Some individuals deserve special credit for their continuing work on priority agendas; staff and individual CAPS Board of Governors (BOG) deserve commendation for the unique talents and insight they brought to the operation of the committee. Many people, although unnamed due to space, contributed to CAPS. My sincere and personal thanks to each of you for your efforts.

This year, 556 CAPS graduates swelled the ranks to 2,208 total CAPS. CAPS and Certified Green Professional (CGP) are currently NAHB’s most successful designation programs. Therese Crahan, Executive Director, and Heather Staverman, Program Manager, and NAHB University of Housing administer and deliver a multifaceted program including marketing, course delivery, course and instructor review and graduate tracking. Staff continually analyzes the program for improvement and encourage designee feedback.

The CAPS Board of Governors received a makeover this year with the creation of the Advisor positions. CAPS is unique in that past chairs are deeply dedicated and want to stay involved. Their experience, knowledge and contacts are invaluable and as Advisors they agree to undertake subcommittee tasks that require time and commitment.

Bill Owens, CGR, CAPS, a current Board of Governors member and an Advisor next year, leads the Advanced CAPS course design project; Vince Butler, CGR, GMB, CAPS, and Alan Hanbury, CGR, CAPS, CGP, support these efforts and have advised on CAPS changes; Mike Weiss, CGR, CGB, GMB, CAPS, gives staunch stewardship in education; Dan Bawden, CGR, GMB, CAPS, explores potential liaisons with outside groups and Cindy Knutson-Lycholat, CGR, CAPS, advises on protocol. Thanks to this gifted team for their on-going work.

CAPS liaisons include the Consultant Governors: Lamont Akins with AARP, Penny Moyers Cleveland with AOTA, Rebecca Stahr as 50+ Liaison, and John White with Rebuilding Together. Thanks to these individuals for their time and commitment to work within their organizations for our shared goals.

CAPS is investigating additional liaisons with ASID, AIBD, university programs and the Veterans Administration. Outreach goals also extend to having a viable presence at regional trade shows and to showcasing CAPS projects at these shows and in the CAPS newsletter.

This recap of 2008 shows that most of the CAPS projects are only beginning. Daryl Kemp deserves special recognition. As 2009 CAPS Chair, he has been my partner and extra hand wherever and whenever needed from coordinating with the CGR Board of Governors and producing the CAPS Strategic Plan to being emcee at the CAPS graduation. His work ethic, dedication and forward-thinking guarantee 2009 will be another year of CAPS accomplishment.

I am proud to have been able to serve as the 2008 CAPS Board of Governors Chair. Thank you for the privilege.

Sherry Schwab, CGR, CAPS [ return to top ]