Hello again, New England! With springtime around the corner and our fight against the virus gaining momentum, it’s a much more hopeful time than my last article in December. I’m also hopeful for the future of our chapter after the feedback we received from so many of you this month. Thank you so much to everyone who attended our open discussion and/or completed the member survey. (Congrats to Dallas Kennedy, who won the drawing for the $25 Amazon gift card!) Your input will help us set the right goals, prioritize initiatives, and offer compelling programs – like our March program: The “Pipeline Problem” is About Belonging, which will be held on Wednesday, March 17.
To meet our chapter’s goals and bring more value to its members, it goes without saying that we will need more volunteers. We’re operating with a skeleton crew right now – barely enough to maintain the chapter’s core functions. We need your help if we’re going to be successful, both now and in the future. Therefore, please consider volunteering. You can find a list of positions on the chapter’s website, or simply contact me at president@stcnewengland.org and together we can identify a role that would match your skills, interests, and time commitment.
Speaking of volunteers, I’m thrilled to announce that we have a new chapter treasurer! (Nathan Richardson unexpectedly resigned on January 1.) Ilana Sztaimberg currently resides in New York but has graciously offered to serve on the STC New England council as treasurer. We are so fortunate and thankful to welcome her aboard! Among her many contributions to the STC community over the years, she has served as the Boston chapter treasurer, New York Metro chapter president, competition judge, and speaker at several conferences and the STC Summit.
Lastly, please join me in congratulating two elder statesmen of our chapter who have recently been recognized by the STC for their exceptional service to the society and the wider Tech Comm community:
John Garison has been honored with the prestigious rank of STC Fellow for “exemplary dedication, support, and enthusiasm for technical communications, especially for steadfast and ongoing instruction and mentorship of others within the workplace and the Society.” I know John best from his work on the Competitions, where he has long served as a dedicated judge, while also coaching new judges in the process. He also coordinates our chapter’s mentorship program and has served as a mentor himself. His willingness to share so much of his time, insights, and experience has helped numerous colleagues strive to reach their full potential.
Steven Jong has been awarded the Distinguished Chapter Service Award for his “long and distinguished service to the New England chapter in a wide range of volunteer and leadership roles.” Steve has presented at various programs, workshops, and InterChange conferences, served as a judge and committee member of numerous tech pubs competitions, and led the administrative council as chapter president for three full terms. His dedication to the chapter’s success and his selfless commitment to helping its members have been exemplary and beyond compare. On a personal note, Steve’s support as Immediate Past President has been phenomenal – I’d be lost without him showing me the ropes.
Bravo, gentlemen! These accolades are richly deserved!