USSD Strategic Compass
USSD'S STRATEGIC EVOLUTION
ANCHORING FOR GROWTH AND EXCELLENCE
As part of the strategic planning process, the Board of Directors engaged in facilitated discussions to explore three potential strategic “anchors” aligned with USSD’s mission, vision and values. While these anchors are not mutually exclusive, identifying a primary anchor helps guide strategic decisions—serving as a “tiebreaker” for investments, staffing, resource allocation and budgeting.
The three strategic anchors considered were:
- Relationship-Centered Engagement – Ensuring the quality and longevity of relationships and experiences with members and industry partners.
- Operational Excellence – The ability to operate efficiently and consistently, while sustaining and scaling USSD’s growth.
- Technical Leadership – Delivering trusted and authoritative technical information in the industry through innovative approaches.
Historically, USSD’s strength has been rooted in relationships—with members, partners and organizations like ICOLD. This relationship-centered approach will remain the primary strategic anchor through the 2026–2029 strategic plan. It reflects USSD’s current capabilities and provides a stable platform for continued success.
Strategic Compass Elements
To encapsulate USSD’s organizational expectations, the Board has developed a TAGLINE and updated the MISSION, VISION and VALUE STATEMENTS. Together they encapsulate our intention to continue our evolution as a premier, trusted source for innovative, authoritative technical information for the Dam industry, delivered through industry-leading approaches.
All of these elements will be brought to life by being shared widely through different means of communication (e.g., newsletters, website, white papers, etc.). The intention is for all stakeholders within USSD (e.g., members, sponsors, strategic partners, staff, board of directors, etc.) to clearly understand USSD’s purpose and strategic direction..
TAGLINE
"Advancing Technical Excellence"
Mission
Advancing the practice of dams through collaboration
and advocacy to support safe, equitable,
and sustainable solutions.
Vision
A world where dams provide their intended
benefits to the communities they serve and
are managed responsibly, safely, and securely.
WHO DRIVES THE WORK
A clear delivery model strengthens accountability and helps connect the Strategic Compass to Board leadership, committee action, and staff execution.
Annual Refresh
This is designed to be a living strategy.
Reviewing USSD’s strategic compass on a regular basis is essential to ensure the organization remains agile and responsive in a rapidly evolving industry. The Board is committed to formally reviewing—and updating as needed—the strategic compass each year. This annual review reinforces accountability and ensures USSD’s priorities remain relevant and impactful.
Benefits to USSD include:
- Adaptation to Change
- Alignment
- Flexibility
- Resource Allocation
- Engagement
- Improved Communication
- Risk Management
- Competitive Advantage
- Stakeholder Confidence
- Long-Term Success
