National Association of Document Examiners
National Association of Document Examiners, known as NADE, is unique among professional associations for document and handwriting experts. It embraces not only the consummate professional but also the neophyte and the loner in the field. In this way, NADE nurtures both the isolated and the beginner, promoting professional growth and offering education and, when needed, correction. By welcoming the least as members and successfully encouraging members to become their best, NADE faces difficulties other organizations avoid by taking on only the chosen few or only those who fit an organizational pattern. As we in NADE address and resolve these difficulties, we find we grow professionally as individuals, and NADE becomes more diverse and enriching as a group. Members who could not cope with the challenge have resigned, but others who valued the NADE spirit gave us increase.
Kathy Koppenhaver of Joppa, MD introduced me to NADE in 1990. She also encouraged me to work towards my board certification, for which I thank her. My repayment has been an occasional encouragement to others to join NADE. Members have taught me much over the years, in knowledge and skill and in comporting myself as a better gentleman. Among members are some of the finest examiners I have known, and whom I can recommend without hesitation.
There are calumnies the ignorant spread about NADE, but all are defeated by the truth as well documented in NADE's By-laws, its journal and other records. Indeed, none of us should credit a rumor, particularly by gossips too cowardly to face those of whom they gossip. Courts of law have found NADE members qualified and admissible, and a goodly amount of published and unpublished case reports extoll various NADE members. Some fail to participate in the organization and take advantage of its educational benefits, neither attending conferences nor applying for certification. We still hope to persuade them of their ethical obligation to excellence.
You can visit the NADE Web Site at http://www.documentexaminers.org. If you have any question about a NADE member or someone pretending to membership, we stand ready to verify their membership, their participation, or a claim to holding office or being certified.
A last though important word: In 2007 NADE adopted the most complete and specific Code of Ethics I have ever seen for a document examination organization. That someone would voluntarily take on such a high and strict standard of professional behavior gives you confidence in the person.