As AAMVA celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, it is good time to reflect on why AAMVA continues to be a successful organization. 

For me, AAMVA's successes were achieved through a unique combination of willing volunteers and a staff that is willing and able to support the needs and efforts of its membership.   In my judgment, AAMVA's greatest value is the opportunity it provides for members to interact with each other.  And, without a doubt, I believe its greatest asset is the cadre of volunteers, that come from the jurisdictional DMVs and law enforcement agencies.

During my years as a DMV administrator in North Dakota, AAMVA, and its membership, were a great source of information and support for me.  Through the network of friends and contacts that my participation in AAMVA provided, I was never more than a phone call away from sharing a concern with, or seeking an answer from, a colleague I had met at some AAMVA meeting or function.  The concept of "no need to reinvent the wheel" aptly describes AAMVA's greatest value.

Volunteers are the heart and soul of AAMVA.  They provide the knowledge, skills, interest and information that make AAMVA so valuable to its membership.  I would strongly urge all chief administrators to be actively involved in AAMVA, and provide volunteer opportunities for their staff members as well.  I had the opportunity to serve as an AAMVA volunteer for more than 25 years in a number of capacities, and found it to be some of the most professionally rewarding opportunities I ever had.

Now, as an AAMVA employee for the past two years, I have gained a renewed appreciation for the value the AAMVA leadership and staff bring to the organization.   They have a genuine desire to help DMVs and law enforcement agencies find common solutions to identified problems, promote highway safety, strive for uniformity, enhance customer service, protect the motoring public and promote a positive image of all the jurisdictional employees who work each day to deliver the best service possible.

I hope you will take some time this year to reflect on the value that AAMVA has brought to you, your organization and your staff.   Please remember that AAMVA is your organization and you have a vital role to play in its continued success.

Keith Kiser
(retired) Director, Motor Vehicle Division
Vice President Vehicle Services
AAMVA
kkiser@aamva.org

and

Past Chair of the AAMVA Board of Directors (2003-2004)