Shaping Smarter Programming: Inside the National Programming Council

The National Programming Council plays a pivotal role in aligning PDA’s chapter-level and national educational efforts, ensuring members benefit from high-quality, relevant programming across the organization. Renamed in 2025, the council evolved from the former National Programming Committee and serves as a strategic hub for collaboration, best practice sharing, and smarter programming execution.

“We serve as thought partners with program leaders in shaping content that is relevant, engaging, and aligned with the One PDA mission. At the same time, we help streamline processes so their great work is even easier to deliver,” says Jean Nycz, National Programming Council Chair. “After conducting a survey and talking with Chapter Program Leads, we narrowed our focus to three main things: keeping communication flowing both ways, sharing best practices so chapters can learn from each other, and finding efficiencies—basically, making it easier and smarter for chapters to get great programs out the door.”

The council is composed of Chapter Program Chairs and Co-Chairs from across the country, along with a National Chair, a Vice-Chair (currently open), and a dedicated staff liaison. Together, this cross-functional group provides program leaders with a centralized place to ask questions, share ideas, and troubleshoot challenges. “When leaders are better supported, our members get better programming and stronger community connections,” Nycz explains.

Collaboration is central to the council’s work. In each meeting, council leaders invite other committees and task forces to share what they’re working on and explore potential overlaps and synergies. These conversations help chapters connect the dots between local programming and PDA’s broader initiatives.

The council’s members represent a wide range of experience—from long-established chapters to newer ones still building momentum. This diversity fuels peer-to-peer learning and encourages the exploration of new topics that reflect members’ evolving needs. “I’m excited about continuing to partner to find new ways to elevate PDA programming and strengthen a sense of community at the local level,” Nycz says.

With planning for 2026 already underway, the council remains focused on execution, forward-looking strategy, and helping chapters build on what works. “Chapter Leaders are unbelievably dedicated and passionate,” Nycz adds. “They inspire me, and it’s rewarding to help make their work a little easier and their impact even more powerful.”