By Andrew Sulser, Incoming Chair, Next Gen Committee | Fredericksburg Technology
If you had asked me a few years ago whether I would become involved in a young professionals organization, much less serve as its Chair, I probably would have laughed.
The truth is, I joined Next Gen because someone invited me. At the time, I wasn’t actively looking for another networking group, and I certainly didn’t consider myself a natural networker. What kept me coming back wasn’t the networking itself. It was the people.
From the beginning, Next Gen felt different. It wasn’t transactional or forced. It was a place where genuine conversations happened, where people from different industries and backgrounds could connect, share ideas, and build real relationships.
Over time, those relationships helped me grow both personally and professionally. Next Gen pushed me outside my comfort zone and challenged me to be more intentional about engaging with others, contributing to discussions, and collaborating with people who brought different perspectives and experiences to the table.
As I step into the role of Chair, I’m excited about the opportunity to help shape the future of Next Gen and continue building on what makes this program special.
My goal is simple: I want Next Gen to be more than a place where people exchange business cards. I want it to be a community where young professionals build meaningful relationships, discover new opportunities, and feel supported in both their professional and personal growth.
I also believe we have an opportunity to create experiences that stand apart from traditional networking events. Through creative programming, new partnerships, and meaningful engagement opportunities, we can continue building a community that people are genuinely excited to be part of.
Programs like Next Gen play an important role in the Fredericksburg region. Early in their careers, many professionals are searching for community, mentorship, and opportunities to grow. When people feel connected to where they live and work, they’re more likely to invest in the region, contribute to its success, and help strengthen it for the future.
If there’s one piece of advice I’d give to someone considering getting involved, it’s this: just show up.
You don’t need to be the most outgoing person in the room. You don’t need to feel completely confident or have everything figured out. Most people aren’t looking to impress anyone. They’re looking for authentic connections. Some of the best relationships develop naturally over time through consistency, involvement, and a willingness to step outside your normal circle.
To me, leadership isn’t about titles or recognition. It’s about service, responsibility, and helping others succeed. Great leaders bring people together, create opportunities for others to contribute, and build momentum around a shared vision. Likewise, strong communities are built on genuine connection, collaboration, and a shared investment in one another’s success.
That’s what excites me most about the year ahead.
I’m looking forward to creating experiences that people remember, fostering new connections, and welcoming the next generation of leaders into our community. One of the greatest strengths of Next Gen is its ability to bring together people who might never have met otherwise. Watching those connections grow into friendships, mentorships, partnerships, and new opportunities is something I’m incredibly excited to be a part of.
The future of Next Gen is bright, and I look forward to helping build it alongside all of you.