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Each year, COCM holds an Annual Meeting, bringing together employees from around the country to the COCM home office in Birmingham, Alabama. We enjoy the opportunity to connect with colleagues in person that we work daily, through the use of technology. It is a concentrated time where professional development, networking, and personal growth are the focus of sessions and activities. We want to share the experiences of a few of the 2017 COCM student housing professionals…in their own words.
“I had a wonderful time at the 2017 COCM Assistant Director Retreat. I connected with colleagues from other sites, brought some ideas back to my own site, and have set up new vendor meetings resulting from the retreat. I also greatly appreciated the opportunity to present to my colleagues – it was a great professional development for me and I hope it helped others too!”
JES LASSITER
Assistant General Manager, Walker Avenue Apartments at UMBC
“The annual meeting allows directors the unique opportunity share best practices via the open exchange of ideas and experiences of directors throughout our organization; and apply these practices upon return to their home campuses. As a director in COCM, I am fortunate to be surrounded by skilled and successful student housing professionals with a passion for the work we do. Having a groundswell of positive energy in one place, through the annual meeting, is powerful!”
Vallyn Merrick
Director of Affiliated Housing, Christa McAuliffe Residential Community at Bowie State University
“The Annual Director’s Meeting is always an exciting time of the year for me. It’s refreshing to connect with colleagues from across the country and learning about the new developments within our company. Walking away from this year’s meeting left me feeling proud to be part of an organization full of Student Housing Professionals and excited for what the future holds for COCM. I’m already looking forward to next year!”
Jeremy Steed
Director of Housing, Illinois Central College
“I look forward to attending the annual COCM Director’s Meeting. Each year, I am reminded of why I chose to work for, and continue to work for, COCM…interacting with the supportive home office staff, professional and personal development sessions and the comradery between Directors. The energy of the annual meeting is always fun and uplifting. It leaves me with a sense of renewed motivation to take back to my site and share with my staff.”
Jovani M. Myers
Director, Student Life Center at East West University
“For me, the annual meeting provided a great deal of insight on COCM and its operations side. It was a real learning experience being able to share thoughts and ideas with professionals from other sites to meet a common goal.”
Norman Rimbey
Director of Facilities, Taylor Place at Arizona State University
“The COCM Assistant Director meeting gives me time to catch up with my colleagues and trends that are happening in the field. I always go back to my site refreshed and full of new ideas I can implement!”
LaToya K. Eff
Assistant Director of Operations, NineEast33rd
“Attending this year’s retreat was so full filling, in the activities we did, the presentations that I attended and most of all the colleague’s that I met. I came back to the office so rejuvenated and pumped up on putting the new ideas I learned to work. This was my first time, and hope to attend many more in the future.”
Joni Daminato
Assistant Director, Florida Atlantic University
“Being able to spend time with other ADs and those at the corporate office once a year is a great morale boost. Not only does it help us to bring professional connections with those in our positions at other sites, we’re able to personally thank and get to know our Executive board members, financial team and HR.”
Jennifer Juliano
Assistant Director, Facilities & Conference Services, Residences at MassArt
“I enjoyed the conference because I got reconnect with colleagues and Home Office staff while eating great food. The sessions were engaging, the raffle prizes were impressive and the days went smoothly. I appreciated all the of the committee’s efforts to make the conference happen, and I look forward to seeing everyone again next year!”
Va’Shajn Parr
Director of Operations & Facilities, California State University San Marcos
