It Has Been My Pleasure to Serve…

As my term as Society President nears an end I find myself reflecting on all this year has been— extremely busy. As I became Society President I also had a job change that gave me more responsibility (read more work!) and an increase in travel. So juggling ISA, work, and family was at best a struggle.

Nonetheless, this year has been extremely rewarding. Meeting with, talking to, and communicating via e-mail with many Members about all facets of ISA has been eye-opening for me and a very enriching learning experience. This year has included many opportunities that I never dreamed of having: Going to Washington DC and engaging with legislators; traveling to many countries with varied cultures to discuss a partnership with ISA, industry, academia, and the workforce to improve the profession; meeting with executives of companies within our industry to discuss what they needed from ISA to perceive value; making friends and lasting relationships globally; and of course having my very own blog!

Yes, serving as ISA Society President has been everything I thought it would be and more. This year has put an exclamation point on all the rewards of 20+ years of Society service. I’ve mentioned all this to you because now is the time to be thinking about leaders for the future.

ISA is now accepting nominations for the following Society officers:

• Society President-elect Secretary
• Department Vice Presidents-elect:
  o Industries & Sciences
  o Image & Membership
  o Professional Development
  o Strategic Planning

All of these positions require individuals that want to be involved in setting the strategic vision of the Society and work towards the common goals of all Members. For detailed information regarding positions, qualifications, and nominations visit www.isa.org/nominate. ISA’s officer positions and nomination process is open to all interested people.

The Nominations Deadline is 31 January 2008.

Some of the criteria and requirements are:

• To be considered for a Society Officer position, you must be a Senior, Life Senior, Fellow, Life Fellow, or Honorary Member of ISA
• Evidence of devotion to the Society and acceptance of its policies and objectives
• Awareness of the Society's mission in our fast-changing technological world and ability to lead the Society in the development of programs to keep pace with these changes
• Enjoys the respect and confidence of colleagues and Society members involved with Society activities within the officer's areas of responsibility
• Competence in the expression of the Society's views to others through public speaking and other forms of communication
• Adequate time, financial and secretarial support for discharging the obligations of the office

Service as a Society Officer provides the opportunity to gain management experience, enhance career development, and network with peers on an international level. I can personally attest to the many benefits of serving as a leader in a volunteer organization. All of the benefits previously mentioned are real and enduring, but the best benefit of all is the sense of accomplishment I feel having been given the opportunity by our Members to serve as the leader of such a vibrant and forward-moving organization.

To each and every Member of ISA—I thank you for the opportunity to serve and I hope I represented you well.