A New Chapter for Elaine: Celebrating 23 Years with IOFM

Thank You, Elaine  

After 23 years with IOFM, Elaine Stattler stepped away at the end of 2025. Among her many contributions to this community was her role managing IOFM's chapters, a responsibility she took on single-handedly, helping to establish numerous chapters during her tenure.

Here's what some of her biggest fans had to say about her impact:

"Elaine was the force behind the concept to use her relationships, solicit support for a new chapter and build a team of leaders to get our AR chapter off to a great start," shared Cindy Clark, president of IOFM's AR chapter.

"Elaine's powers of positivity and confidence in those she works with to achieve success have been a key to the success of the AR chapter." She added that Elaine "is a great communicator. She is always there to help with whatever is needed. And she was quite adept at soliciting resources and helping others to connect and build relationships that are critical to making our organization effective."

Arecka Mather, president of the Northwestern Region chapter, experienced this confidence firsthand. "When the NW chapter was put together, I originally applied for a different leadership role and Elaine came to me and said, would you consider the president role?" Mather recalled. "To have someone that I have never met in person, only communicated over email, have that faith in me, was amazing. I don't know that I would have stepped into that role without her support."

That support extended well beyond recruitment. "She was such a great asset as we formed the chapter, picked our topic for our first meeting and then held the meeting," Mather shared. "For the first meeting, she took time to walk through all pieces for me, so I felt supported when we launched. I especially appreciated her proofreading." Elaine's guidance helped new chapter leaders understand what might be most beneficial to participants based on what had and hadn't worked for other chapters. "She is definitely a trusted partner!" Mather added.

Debra Richardson shared that Elaine was "key" in getting the Oklahoma and Central Region IOFM Chapters established, adding that she believed strongly that "everyone has value to contribute and can learn from each other. I believe this is why she worked to keep the chapters relevant – even when it meant evolving based on the current environment."

Through her dedication to the chapters, Elaine championed some of IOFM's biggest advocates, creating a network of engaged leaders who continue to strengthen our community. The collaborative spirit she fostered continues to guide chapter leaders today. The IOFM Chapter Community would not be what it is without Elaine. Her work will never be forgotten, and we are truly grateful for her contributions and dedication to our chapters.

If you would like to get involved with IOFM Chapters, please reach out to IOFM’s senior content managers: Jess Scheer ([email protected]) and Grace Berube ([email protected]).