If this year taught marketers anything, it’s that while AI may be transforming how we work, it’s
still human connection, creativity, and community that set great brands and organizations apart.
In a year filled with conversations about automation, the future of search, and how technology
continues to reshape our industry, one word kept rising to the top for me:
Community.
And that’s exactly why it became our theme for this season at AMA Richmond.
Ten years ago, I moved to Richmond in the middle of a career transition (from video production
into marketing) and like so many people stepping into something new, I was looking for two
things: growth and belonging.
I explored a handful of professional organizations, but the moment I found AMA Richmond,
something clicked. I started attending events, building relationships, and learning from people
who helped shape my early growth as a marketer.
Then came 2020: a time when so many of us were isolated and craving connection. That’s
when I felt called to get more involved and joined the board. In many ways, AMA became one of
the first reasons I started stepping back into community again.
Fast forward to today. Like many of you, I work in a world of Zoom calls, Slack messages, and
remote teams. Community looks different than it used to, but it’s never been more important.
This year, we challenged ourselves to build community in three ways: with each other, within
our profession, and within the city we call home.
And what a year it’s been.
We kicked off the season at Richmond Raceway, where leaders from NASCAR helped us start
the year at full speed. And from there, we never really took our foot off the gas.
We gathered for unforgettable social events like Rivers & Rooftops and our ski-themed evening
at Conex RVA. We partnered with Virginia Association of Fundraising Executives to explore the
art of strategic storytelling, and with The Phil to launch the inaugural Phil Forum, helping local
nonprofits better understand marketing and public relations.
We showed up month after month at coffee chats, proving that sometimes the most meaningful
connections happen over simple conversations.
We continued one of our favorite traditions: designing and signing holiday cards for local
assisted living facilities, hospitals, shelters, and nonprofit partners. Finding ways to serve our
community beyond our profession.
We leaned into the future, learning about AI and the evolving search landscape with Google.
And we closed the season by celebrating the community we call home, learning about Virginia
250 at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture.
But more than any event, initiative, or milestone, what I’ll remember most about this season is
the people.
The volunteers who raised their hands for the very first time. The familiar faces who kept
showing up. The new members who walked into a room not knowing anyone and walked out
with new connections, fresh ideas, and maybe even a few new friends.
To our growing volunteer community: thank you for helping us bring events to life, capture
content, tell stories, and deepen our connections across Richmond. Your willingness to jump in
reminds us that there is always a place to get involved.
To this year’s board: thank you for your professionalism, your creativity, your commitment to
excellence, and the countless hours you’ve poured into this organization. Serving alongside you
has been such a privilege.
And to our sponsors: thank you for believing in our mission and investing in this community.
None of this would be possible without your support.
Through every stage of my career, AMA has shown up for me exactly when I needed it most.
This year, I had the incredible privilege of giving some of that back.
And if there’s one thing I hope this season reminded all of us, it’s this:
Community doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when people choose to show up. To raise
their hand. To invest in each other. To build something bigger than themselves.
Thank you for making AMA Richmond not just an organization but a professional home.
I’m incredibly excited for what’s ahead, and I can’t wait to see what this community builds next.
With gratitude,
Caitlin McNichol
2025–2026 President | AMA Richmond
