Chapter History
Today the CMAA MidAtlantic Chapter is a robust chapter hosting nearly 600 members and 80 member companies in the tri-state Philadelphia Metro area.  Loosely formed in the mid 1980’s when local industry professionals saw the need to come together to discuss industry concerns and promote the profession, the beginnings of the chapter were established.  These professionals included Joe McAtee, James O’Brien and Ron Kerins.  Officially incorporated on January 12, 2007 in N.J., the chapter was soon located in Philadelphia.

In the early days, when newly elected Presidents took the helm, the chapter’s documents fit into a box and the box was handed from one administration to the next.  But more about the box later. 

The chapter was founded in 1986 and the first President was Jim Rowan.  Other founding members at that time would include Tom Driscoll, Joe McAtee and Larry Veit (who was on the initial national CMAA board in 1981). The terms of the Presidents ran from the date of the CMAA national conference (usually October).

Starting with approximately 20 members the chapter met monthly at the airport hotel.  By the 1990’s the chapter had approximately 30 members.  Serving for a short time, Lorraine Kay was the first woman elected to lead the chapter in the early years.  She was followed by Charles “Chuck” Romanoli who rose to be the President when the then chapter President resigned due to personal reasons.  At the time, Chuck worked for Jim Rowan at Wagner Hohns Inglis – Jim was very active with CMAA at that time and help the team maintain the chapter. 

In 2012 Joni Powell, Principal of Klienfelder, was elected President of the chapter.  With a strong organizational background and determination to move the chapter forward, Joni, added additional structure, recruited new members, and expanded the chapters membership.  In 2014, the chapter established its presence on the internet and expanded programming.  By 2018 the chapter had reached nearly 600 members under Mike Burdalski. Looking forward in 2021 as we maneuver to a post pandemic era, the chapter will focus on increasing member engagement, upgrading its internet presence and branding, starting new student chapters, and expanding scholarship giving.  The chapters future is bright. 

Coming full circle, the MidAtlantic Chapter hosted the national CMAA Spring Conference between May 7 - 9, 2006 at the Sheraton Olde City in Philadelphia (now a Marriott) and is schedule to have the opportunity to host our peers again in Philadelphia in September 2021.

As for the box, there were actually two or three boxes at the time.  When a new president was elected, it became the tradition to hand over the chapter documents in the box.  As time progressed, “the box” contained fewer and fewer documents, however, every new chapter president consistently asks for the box.  This time honored tradition has become part of the chapters tradition.  So when you hear the chapter president ask for the box.  Now you know the meaning. 

Chapter Presidents:

Ron Kerins - 2001-2004

Mike Griffin - 2004-2006

Loraine Kay - 2006-2008

Chuck Romanoli - 2008-2010

Rocco Vespe - 2010-2012

Joni Powell - 2012-2014

Vicki Malaszecki - 2014-2016

Robert Monser - 2016-2018

Michael Burdalski - 2018-2020

Timothy Mason - 2020-2024

Anthony Fitzpatrick - 2024-Present