President’s Message: Thank you for an amazing 2026!
Posted on Nov. 5, 2026 / President's Message / Subscribe 0
Alex Walsh, president of the ICF San Francisco Bay Area chapter, recently sat down with Mary Catherine Markham, the chapter's past president, for the final President's Message of the year.
Mary Catherine has been on the board since 2021, serving in multiple roles including Director of Memberships, Vice President, and President. She was calling in from Arkansas during her first visit home in eight years.
When asked why she chose to serve on the board, Mary Catherine admitted she initially joined during the pandemic because she "needed something to do." But that changed quickly. "I love being on the board," she said. "I love giving back. I love supporting ICF coaches because the certification to me is really important."
So what makes ICF certification important to her?
First, it gives her credibility as a coach. Second, it signals to clients that she's had proper education and accumulated significant practice hours. And third, she has the backing of a global organization with a code of ethics to guide her work.
When Alex asked what was on her mind regarding the chapter, Mary Catherine reflected on the remarkable growth since she joined in 2021.
"We were doing minimal programs and now we're doing so much for our members," she said. The chapter now offers more virtual programs each year, more continuing coach education credits (CCEs), and more in-person events.
The highlight? This year's first-ever Coaches Summit conference at the Exploratorium, where nearly 200 coaches gathered together. As Mary Catherine put it, this was "a mere dream 5 or 6 years ago."
The growth didn't happen by accident. Mary Catherine credited the "incredible board" and Alex's leadership as president for making it all possible.
As the final President's Message of the year wraps up, thank you to every member! We're looking forward to connecting again in the new year.
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