Dear NRWA Members,

We are thrilled to share that the NRWA is stepping confidently into a new era of leadership, clarity, and collaboration. Recently, your Board of Directors voted to approve a series of forward-focused changes that will take effect in January 2026. These changes are the result of months of thoughtful planning, reflection, and input from current and past leaders dedicated to strengthening our organization’s operations and governance.

Why the Change?
The career services industry is evolving rapidly, driven by new technology, shifting market trends, and changing expectations from clients and employers. As we assessed our organization, we recognized that our current structure wasn’t designed to respond as quickly or effectively as today’s environment demands.

To meet this moment and prepare for the next, we made the bold, intentional decision to strengthen our foundation. These changes will position the NRWA to be more agile, more strategic, and better equipped to deliver greater value to our members and lead our profession forward.

What’s Changing?
Beginning in 2026, the NRWA will adopt a restructured board model that:

• Redefines the Executive Board with extended terms for key leadership roles to provide greater continuity and vision. (Two-year terms for President, President-Elect, and Secretary.)
• Streamlines our governance model with clearly defined roles, accountability, and increased efficiency. (Right-sizes the board from 19 members to 5.)
• Introduces a newly formed Leadership Council, empowering appointed Chairs to guide strategy and collaborate more effectively with one another and with their committees, while gaining leadership training, mentorship, and support to elevate their executive presence.  
• Strengthens our strategic partnership with Celtic, the NRWA’s association management company, focused on operational excellence, continuity, and long-term sustainability.

What This Means For You

These changes are not just procedural, they are transformational. As we roll them out, you’ll experience clearer pathways for volunteering, more meaningful opportunities to step into leadership, and new ways to contribute to the NRWA’s direction.

This also means a greater return on the investment in your membership. With a leaner, more nimble structure in place, the NRWA will be positioned to more quickly anticipate and identify career services and overall market shifts, respond faster to member needs, and deliver a wider spectrum of solutions that ensure you remain competitive, credible, and connected.

You’ll see faster innovation, expanded learning resources, and an organization that’s not only more agile, but more aligned with what matters to you.

We’re also creating more ways to elevate your voice, increase your visibility, and create access to opportunities that support your long-term success.

If your goal of membership is to strengthen your craft, grow your business, develop your leadership brand, make a bigger impact in your work, or shape the future of the industry, this new structure is designed to support you every step of the way.

Whether you're a long-time member or new to the NRWA community, there has never been a better time to belong, get involved, and help shape what’s next. We are actively building something sustainable, strategic, and member-focused, and we’re glad to be building it with you.

Looking Ahead

We’ll be sharing more updates in the coming weeks, including detailed role descriptions, volunteer opportunities, and how these changes will impact upcoming elections and committee structures. We invite you to join us in celebrating this exciting new chapter.

Together, we’re shaping a stronger, smarter, and more Future Focused NRWA.

Warm regards,
Cathy Lanzalaco
President, National Résumé Writers' Association

On behalf of the NRWA Board of Directors