The PDC employs a dynamic real-time model for strategic planning to ensure frequent and focused discussions on the organization’s strategic priorities among the Board of Directors and other key leadership. Informed by past strategic plans, input from PDC’s committees, and feedback from PDC members, the Board of Directors dedicates significant time annually every July for strategic planning and every January for a mid-year check-in on those priorities. Additionally, time is designated at monthly Board meetings for the implementation of strategic goals.
The PDC’s strategic goals are also a key part of the annual PDC Member Meeting and are shared with each of our standing committees to align everyone’s collective efforts.
The PDC’s current strategic goals include:
Enhanced & Expanded Programming
We are committed to enhancing and expanding our programming to better serve our community. This initiative aims to improve the quality and reach of our educational offerings, ensuring they align with current industry needs and trends. By developing new programs and refining existing ones, we strive to provide valuable learning experiences that foster professional growth and engagement.
Member Engagement 2.0
Building off the streamlined membership structure which was introduced in 2023 in order to heighten inclusivity and better serve our community, our member engagement efforts are designed to deepen our connections by leveraging innovative engagement strategies and personalized experiences. By focusing on meaningful interactions and fostering a sense of community, we aim to enhance member satisfaction.
Membership applications are reviewed by our Membership Committee, which meets regularly to, among other things,create new methods of member service and engagement. The Board also regularly communicates to the entire PDC membership with information about PDC programming, current events, and opportunities for involvement. We hope to continue to create an environment where members feel valued, heard, and motivated to actively participate in our programs and activities.
Thought Leadership & Strategic Partnerships
As the preeminent organization for individuals in the legal professional development space, the PDC works to provide a voice for our profession and to amplify the reach of its members. In 2022, we introduced a new prospectus for PDC sponsors and potential sponsors to showcase opportunities to partner with our organization in person, online, and through special projects. The PDC continues to explore and develop existing and potential strategic partnerships with other nonprofits, service providers, and individuals through our VIBES program, the Winter Intensive certificate program, and pilot initiatives in our social impact efforts. We also maintain a collaborative partnership with the National Association of Law Placement (NALP) for the Professional Development Institute conference. Additionally, we continue to recognize excellence in our field through the Richard Pearson Award, which has been given each year since 2014.
Our commitment to thought leadership is reflected in our ongoing efforts to innovate and lead within the legal professional development community. By fostering strategic partnerships and creating opportunities for collaboration, we aim to drive positive change and elevate the standards of our profession.
The cornerstones of our ability to implement our strategic goals are corporate governance and fiscal stewardship. As a growing organization, the PDC has also prioritized putting into place systems and processes that will serve the organization best, maintain fidelity to our mission, and preserve our status as the leading legal professional development association in the United States and Canada. These efforts are directly tied to the PDC’s strategic plan and goals.
Corporate Governance
The PDC is governed by its Board of Directors, which currently includes 11 members and meets monthly. The Board oversees the work of the PDC’s professional staff and its all-volunteer committees and provides strategic direction to the organization. The Board will revisit the bylaws in 2024, as well as reviewing the policy manual. PDC revised and updated the organization’s bylaws in 2022. As discussed above, the Board regularly devotes time to the implementation of our strategic plan.
Fiscal Stewardship
On the financial front, the PDC Board of Directors has committed to aligning expected revenue and proposed expenditures each fiscal year for a balanced budget. PDC officers and professional staff regularly review actual expenditures as compared with projections to help the organization stay on course throughout the year. Since 2016, the PDC has had a financial reserve in place to provide financial stability, which is governed by our Investment Policy, managed by investment professionals, and reviewed regularly by the PDC Board of Directors.
