It is my honor and privilege to serve as the first female president of the Western Section (but definitely not the last!). I feel a deep sense of responsibility to an organization that has been so dear to me for nearly my entire life and appreciate your trust and confidence in me to fulfill the duties and carry on the tremendous traditions of camaraderie, member engagement, academic excellence and ongoing growth. I am humbled to work alongside the officers, the board of directors and the DeSantis Management Group to achieve our mission and goals as a thriving organization.

I can’t think of a better place to reunite and unwind than the luxurious Renaissance Esmeralda Resort in the tranquil resort town of Indian Wells, California (October 31–November 1, 2021), especially after the past year’s unexpected circumstances that have challenged us all. You may recall that the Western Section had a delightful annual meeting at the same resort in 2015. Subsequently, many attendees asked to return. We are so fortunate that Dr. Mike Sanford and his wife Lori, who kindly chaired the 2015 meeting’s local arrangements, will again serve to ensure that we have the best experience possible. Mark your calendars for this phenomenal annual meeting, an in person array of academic and social activities.

I wish to congratulate and acknowledge our Immediate Past-president, Dr. Chris Amling, for holding the Association steady while navigating the then-uncertain future of the Maui meeting, which unfortunately did not come to pass. However, with the combined effort of the Program Chair and Secretary, Dr. Chris Porter, the officers and the DeSantis Management Group “studios,” the meeting was produced as a resoundingly successful “virtual” production that offered up to 28.75 CME credits, which was highly attended by both professionals and industry.

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity and privilege to serve this wonderful urological community and look forward to seeing everyone again at the 97th Annual Meeting in Indian Wells this October–November. Let’s go forward together! Online registration for this meeting can be found at www.surgewest.org.