President's Message - January 2026
Dear CREW Detroit Members & Friends,
I am both humbled and excited to step into the role of President of CREW Detroit. Since relocating to Michigan in 2017, this organization has provided me with an incredible network of peers and opportunities. Volunteering with CREW Detroit has been one of the best decisions of my career. Leading committees, planning events, participating in mentorship, and investing in my own professional development have all played a meaningful role in shaping how I envision my path forward.
This year celebrates four decades of CREW Detroit's impact of building connections, advancing women and shaping the CREW landscape of our region. Our 2026 Chapter Theme, Forty Years Forward, reflects our respect for our legacy and our unwavering commitment to the future. We'll continue to build on the 40 years of impact and drive forward our mission by implementing our strategic plan initiatives, elevating our programs & deepen member engagement and value.
In June, our chapter completed a strategic planning session to establish a clear roadmap for the next five years of CREW Detroit. Led by our Immediate Past President, Jacqueline Trost, this intensive two-day session brought together a diverse cross-section of our membership. Leading up to the session, we gathered valuable input through surveys and member interviews to inform our discussions. The result is a clear and focused vision for our future growth and evolution. Our four primary strategic directions are:
Enhance member & partner value by strengthening onboarding & amplifying communication.
Strengthen committees by aligning goals & providing training, mentorship + a clear playbook to support participation & growth.
Provide transparent, accountable leadership through clear policies, structured transitions & consistent communications.
Deliver intentional programming that offers value, depth & development that empowers professionals across the industry.
So, what’s next? Our strategic planning team has been actively working on the initial six-month to one-year goals and will continue to meet quarterly to ensure we stay on track. The Board of Directors and committee leaders were introduced to the strategic plan in November and are now working with their committees to align efforts and execution. I’m truly excited about what lies ahead for CREW Detroit.
I would like to extend a warm welcome to our incoming 2026 Board of Directors. Thank you for your commitment to the mission of this organization. To our outgoing board members, thank you for your time, leadership, and service. You have made a lasting impact on our chapter.
We have an exciting 2026 calendar planned, filled with opportunities to connect, learn, and grow together. I encourage you to engage fully with the chapter. Attend events, volunteer on a committee, invite a colleague to experience CREW Detroit, and continue investing in this community. Our strength as a chapter comes from the energy, ideas, and involvement of our members, and there is truly a place for everyone to contribute and grow. I look forward to building the future of CREW Detroit together and to seeing you at Mix, Mingle & CREW at the end of the month!
Sincerely,
Katie Burlager
2026 President
CREW Detroit