IAAP Organization

Founded in 1942, as the National Secretaries Association, the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP)--formerly Professional Secretaries International™--has grown to include over 40,000 members worldwide and has evolved to include not only professional secretaries, but also administrative assistants, word processors, office managers, supervisors, computer technicians, information technicians, bookkeepers, and a wide variety of other office professionals.

To provide education, training, and standards of excellence recognized by the business community on a global perspective, the International Association of Administrative Professionals is the world's leading professional organization for secretaries and office professionals.  Its purpose is to elevate the standards of the profession and to promote its working relationship with management through continuing education, authorized programs, and publications.

These programs include the CPS (Certified Professional Secretary) examination, IAAP Student Chapters for high school and college students, the Retirement Centers Trust, the Research and Education Foundation, and Administrative Professionals Week.

New River Valley Chapter

The New River Valley Chapter was chartered in 1974 largely through the efforts of Dr. W. Robert Sullins who, at that time, was president of New River Community College. Dr. Sullins enlisted the help of Dr. Betty Hines of New River Community College and the two of them put together the Chapter. From the beginning, the Chapter had a CPS study program, which was headed by Dr. Hines.

The New River Valley Chapter had its first organizational meeting on February 13, 1974 at New River Community College, and was installed by the Roanoke Chapter on May 10, 1974 at the Marriott in Blacksburg. Membership was open to "all secretaries and stenographers" and the Chapter's original mission was to "prepare secretaries for the CPS examination." 

In May 2000, the NRV Chapter installed the New River Community College IAAP Student Chapter. The student chapter was chartered with two officers, six members and one advisor. In its first year, membership grew to 17 members and in March 2001, the chapter elected four officers. Currently, the student chapter has approximately 25 members.