b"B Y D R . D A V I D O K A N OtoPRESIDENT'S MESSAGEIn 2020, after being an AAP member forof LEAD participants is that our future is very decades, I took part in the Academys firstbright with such promising young periodontists ever virtual Annual Meeting. In 2021, weleading the way!were fortunate to be able to hold an in-person meeting again, but there were still many2022 also saw the launch of the AAPs Virtual colleagues around the world who were unableTown Halls. Prior to these virtual events, to join us due to travel restrictions.members only had one chance a year to meet directly with their District Trustees. As part of The recent Annual Meeting in Phoenix felt likeour new normal, members are much more the dawn of a new era. There will be challengescomfortable than ever with meeting in a digital related to COVID for years if not decades tospace. The Academy took that opportunity to come, but I am more confident than ever thatcreate this new platform. Its very first year the AAP will rise to this challenge and continuewas an undeniable success, and the program to support our members, their patients, andcontinues to grow. periodontology itself. When I mentioned things happening behind the In recognizing the work of our volunteers,scenes, I was referring in part to the Academys speakers, and staff in making the 2023upcoming Dental Hygiene Study Club Program. Annual Meeting such a rewarding experience,Even though members wont catch a glimpse of I also need to acknowledge our manythe program until 2023, the AAPs Task Force corporate partners. Their support of theon Dental Hygienist Engagement and staff have meeting, this organization, and the specialtybeen working tirelessly behind the scenes to is imperative to our long-term success, and Imake this offering a reality. look forward to cultivating these relationships in the year ahead. Lastly, Id like to once again recognize the work of Dr. Ken Kornman, who recently announced I feel so fortunate in my new role as Presidenthis retirement from his role as Editor in Chief of the AAP. Ive worn many hats as aof the Journal of Periodontology and Clinical volunteer, so I can say from experience thatAdvances in Periodontology. Dr. Kornman was there is a lot going on behind the scenes atthe driving force in making those publications the AAP. Our numerous programs have thesome of the most respected in not just ultimate goal of improving our periodontalperiodontology, but all of dentistry. He leaves specialty and the members we serve. Seeingsome pretty big shoes to fill, but my faith in our the betterment for all is the reward ofmembers and this organization assure me that volunteer service. the next Editor in Chief will continue to innovate these important resources to our specialty.One example is our ever-popular Leadership Engagement and Development program,These are exciting times, and I look forward otherwise known as LEAD. Each year, LEADvery much to serving you as your President. gathers together future leaders in periodontics for an exclusive two-day program designedSincerely,to cultivate the necessary skills to ensureDavid Okano, DDS, MS success and inspire a commitment to advancePresident the profession. My firsthand observationsAmerican Academy of PeriodontologyAAP Periospectives| 5"