Dear Members of the Wisconsin Association for Identification,

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I am incredibly honored to serve as President of the Wisconsin Association for Identification (WAI). It is a privilege to be part of such a dedicated, knowledgeable, and passionate professional community. Our association is strong because of you and your commitment to excellence, your willingness to share expertise, and your support for one another.
I began my journey with the WAI in 2013 as the first student member of the association and was fortunate enough to be able to attend the educational seminar that year in Rothschild. I remember walking into the room for opening ceremonies and being absolutely blown away by the amount of knowledge and experience in the room. By the end of the week, I learned that this organization was much more than that. It was a network, a resource, a sounding board, and professional relationships that had become friendships. I was hired into the field as a crime scene investigator and evidence room manager later that year and, thanks to the WAI, had a tremendous bank of resources that I could reach out to when needed. The WAI has carried me through every part of my career since I became a board member in 2014, President in 2018, served three terms as Chairman, and have had the privilege of sitting on many of our committees. 

The work you do everyday matters. Whether you are advancing forensic science, mentoring colleagues, pursuing continuing education, or strengthening partnerships across agencies, you are collectively raising the standard of our profession. WAI is something we should all be proud of.

I am continually encouraged by the engagement I see from our members. Your participation in training, conferences, committees, and discussions is what keeps this organization relevant and thriving. Thank you for investing your time and energy into WAI and into each other.

As we move forward, my hope is that we remain connected and supportive. Together, we can continue to foster a welcoming environment for seasoned professionals and new members alike, while honoring the high standards that define identification work in Wisconsin.

Thank you for your dedication to WAI and to the profession. I look forward to what we will accomplish together and to continuing to work alongside each of you.

 

With sincere appreciation,

 

- Holly Maas