MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Thank You for a Wonderful 2026 SCAFO Educational Conference!

It has been an absolute pleasure welcoming you all to Temecula for the 2026 SCAFO Educational Conference. As we wrap up this incredible event, I am deeply reminded of why having such a dedicated professional organization matters so much.

Looking back, this year has been a testament to our community’s resilience and shared commitment. From our February meeting in Santa Barbara with the FBI Evidence Recovery Team (ERT) and navigating our challenges, to our June gathering at SoCal Vibes exploring the “Saint Bloodbath” case with Retired Detective Mark McGuire, and our August cold case insights with Sergeant Kris Moore—every session has strengthened our association. None of this would be possible without everyone who continuously takes the time to attend, engage, and contribute.

For this annual conference, I want to extend my most sincere gratitude to our speakers, vendors, sponsors, conference committee, volunteers, and, most importantly, our members. It truly takes a collective effort to make an event like this a success. Your ongoing support and participation are what allow SCAFO to provide meaningful education and remain a strong, vibrant professional organization.

As your President, one of my highest priorities has been to encourage greater engagement within our association. SCAFO carries an incredible history dating back to 1937, and with that history comes a shared responsibility to keep moving forward. Our profession is constantly evolving, and by learning, adapting, sharing knowledge, and supporting the next generation of identification professionals, we honor that legacy.

I truly hope this conference provided you with more than just valuable training. I hope it offered an avenue to reconnect with old colleagues, forge new friendships, exchange ideas, and remember why the work we do matters so deeply. So much of our growth comes not only from presentations, but from the conversations we share with those who have walked similar paths.

As we look toward the close of the year, I warmly invite everyone to join us for our final SCAFO meeting in December – in honour of our past presidents – where we can also celebrate everything we’ve accomplished together and look ahead to the future.

Thank you for allowing me to serve as your President. I am endlessly proud of what SCAFO represents and even more excited about what we can accomplish together. Our legacy was built by those who came before us, and our responsibility is to strengthen it for those who come next.

Thank you for making this conference unforgettable, for taking valuable insights away from every presentation, and, most importantly, for being the heart of the SCAFO community.

Here’s to continuing the tradition, raising the standard, and shaping the future of our profession together!

Respectfully,

Lindsey Olson, 2026 SCAFO President