A Message from Outgoing President Jesse Gooch

Reflecting on a Year of Service and Looking Ahead

To our OPCA membership,

As my term as President comes to a close, I want to do something that's both simple and heartfelt: thank you.

Serving as your President this past year has been an honor. Much of the job is quieter than people might expect—showing up, keeping things steady, and making sure the association remains on solid footing. I'm pleased to say that OPCA is in a healthy place, and I'm grateful for the trust you placed in me to help keep it there.

I owe a sincere thank you to our Board of Directors and Executive Director for their time, dedication, and countless hours of work behind the scenes. Associations don't succeed without volunteers willing to step up and contribute, and it has been a privilege to represent this group.

We need to be at the table helping guide those conversations, not reacting after decisions have already been made. That only happens when our members stay engaged.

OPCA is only as strong, informed, and respected as the members who choose to participate. If you've been on the sidelines, this is your invitation to step forward:

• Serve on a committee. Committees are one of the best ways to share your expertise and influence the direction of the association.
• Consider board service. We need new perspectives, fresh ideas, and future leaders willing to help guide OPCA.
• Show up and stay engaged. Attend meetings, participate in discussions, and invite a colleague who hasn't yet become involved.

You don't need a title or decades of experience to make a difference. You simply need to be willing to participate. The strength of this association has always come from members deciding their voice matters—and right now, that decision matters more than ever.

It has been an honor to serve you. I'm not going anywhere, and I look forward to continuing to work alongside all of you—this time from a seat in the membership—as OPCA continues doing what it does best: supporting and advancing Oregon's pest management professionals.