Welcome, everyone! It’s so great to see you all. For those not able to join us in person, you are definitely missed — and we hope to see you next year.
For those who don’t know me, I’m your Executive Director and chief lobbyist, and I’ve been proud to serve as your advocate for over two decades. Saying that out loud makes me realize how fast time flies—and yes, we’re all getting a little older — but we’re still here, and that’s a blessing. With age comes wisdom, and with wisdom, reflection — on our choices, our values, and the legacy we leave behind.
You’ve heard me say this before, but my personal mantra has always been: “Leave the world a better place than you found it.” As guardians of the record, you understand deeply that what endures after we’re gone is what truly defines the value of our time here.
Let me share something very special that happened a couple of months ago. Many of you know how passionate I am about giving back. In May, my alma mater awarded me an honorary doctorate for my lifelong commitment to service. Only 23 alumni have ever received this honor — and to be honest, I still don’t feel worthy of it. In my speech to the graduating class, I spoke about giving back and making a difference. And afterward, I found myself thinking about what I’d say to you all at this conference. The natural answer? Legacy.
Legacy isn’t just about what we leave behind when we’re gone — it’s about how we live every day while we’re here.
One of my favorite authors is Robert Fulghum — you may know him from his 1986 book, All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. Another of his works is titled What on Earth Have I Done? Think about that question. It can mean many things. It asks us to reflect on our purpose, our impact, and our value during our time on this Earth.
Because you see, legacy isn’t just about accomplishments — it’s about how you made others feel, what you stood for, and the example you set. Every action, every decision, every moment you spend mentoring someone—that’s what shapes your legacy. It’s not something you create at the end. It’s something you build, moment by moment, every day.
So, I want you to take a minute and really think about the legacy you’re leaving behind. Let’s look at it through the lens of your professional life. We all influence others — so consider these questions:
- What is the why behind what you do?
- Whose life or career has changed because they crossed paths with you?
- Are you proud of how you’ve used your professional voice so far?
- If your career ended tomorrow, what would you be remembered for?
- How will the next generation in this field be better because you were here?
- Have you been the kind of colleague or mentor you once needed?
When I first came to NCRA, I was lucky to be mentored by an incredible man who told me: “The best thing you can ever do is pour your knowledge and expertise into a young colleague and help them grow.” I took that to heart. Today, Washington, D.C. is full of strong, ethical lobbyists I had the privilege to mentor. One of them — who got his first professional job at NCRA — is now serving his second term as the Attorney General of Maine. And he never forgot where he came from.
What you do is both essential and incredibly stressful. Let’s be honest — people don’t usually go to court or depositions for happy reasons. You often hear the worst of what humans can do to one another — and yet, you provide superior service and continue on. I know there are days when just keeping your head above water is hard. On those days, it’s tough to think about mentoring or giving back. But often, doing something for someone else is exactly the antidote to a bad day. It may be hard to find the energy — but once you do, the satisfaction of giving back can reenergize you.
Every day, you have a chance to make someone’s life better. A simple kind word or deed can create a meaningful moment. Try saying one kind thing to a stranger at this conference. Watch how they react. And if you want a masterclass in being kind, look up my friend Amy Doman —she’s the most positive spirit I know. If I could bottle her energy, I’d sell it as a fundraiser for the Foundation! I have also had the honor of working with your incoming President, Cindy Isaacsen, for close to a decade and she is the epitome of being a champion for you and the profession. She dedicates herself to the profession, doing career days to promote us to potential students and she is always putting the industry and members first. I don’t think I have ever seen her without a smile on. She is truly a joy to work with.
You can also look to your own workplace for inspiration, too. I have the profound honor of working with 20 incredible NCRA staff members who show up every day to serve you. Yes, they get paid—but they could make more money and have less stress somewhere else. They choose this work because they believe in you and this profession. Their level of commitment humbles me—please show them a little love when you see them around, they deserve it.
Our Board members and committee volunteers also give countless hours to make your lives better and your futures safer. While some hide behind blogs and throw rocks from the cheap seats, these champions stand up and do the hard work. Some out there peddle conspiracy theories and baseless negativity — but our dedicated Board and committee members are the real reason this Association has survived for over 126 years. Now that is a legacy. I’m grateful to each and every one of them.
And I’m grateful to you — our members. I can’t think of a better group of people to support and advocate for. I’m proud of the work I’ve done — from securing millions in federal funding for reporting and captioning programs, to launching the Veterans Oral History Project at NCRA, to fighting harmful legislation, to training thousands through Boot Camp and leadership programs. I’ve been a proud NCRF Angel donor every year — and I’ve pledged $20,000 to the NCRF Legacy Program in my will. (Though, let’s make sure the Foundation trustees don’t get any funny ideas about cashing in on that too soon!)
These accomplishments are just the beginning — there’s so much more to do.
When we look back on our lives, we all have things we wish we’d done better, choices we wish we’d made differently. That’s the gift of hindsight. But the truth is — everyone in this room still has gas in the tank. We still have time to do more, give more, be more.
So I challenge you to read Robert Fulghum’s book — and ask yourself that same question:
“What on Earth Have I Done?”
Your legacy begins the moment you decide to live with intention.
Now go live that life.
Thank you — and have a great Conference!
Dave Wenhold, CAE, PLC, is Executive Director of NCRA.
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