In 2024 the NSS completed a six-month Strategic Planning process. We hired independent consultants, Plan A Advisors, to lead us through the planning cycle. The board appointed a small steering committee that included select board and staff members. In addition to the Steering Committee, the entire board participated in the following ways:

• All board members were invited to a full day Visioning retreat in September, which was held in Indianapolis at the midpoint of the planning process.
• Board members were asked to participate in confidential, informational interviews.
• The full board had final review and approval of the drafted plan.

In addition to four board meeting in 2024, the executive committee met four times between board meetings, and the strategic planning committee met eight times. It was a busy year, but we accomplished a great deal and our work has put us on a sure footing as we head into the next four years. A draft of the Strategic Plan was finalized in December and approved at the Board meeting of January 7, 2025.

Effective organizations use the strategic planning process to set an overall direction and get the board and staff aligned around a clearly defined set of priorities. With the help of our members and friends, we accomplished this, as you will see in the finished document.

An enormous thank you to the members and colleagues who contributed their ideas in interviews, peer scans, and roundtable discussions. Your input was invaluable, and we appreciate your thoughtful contributions.  Thanks go also to all NSS members for your commitment and support.