This article is part of a series introducing the 2017-2020 SIGUCCS Executive Committee. Each Board member submitted answers to questions created by the SIGUCCS Marketing Committee.
How did you get involved in SIGUCCS?
My longtime former manager, Mark Ritschard, introduced me to SIGUCCS in 2005 by sending me to the fall conference. I was immediately hooked!
Why did you want to be a Board Member?
I’ve been inspired and challenged by SIGUCCS members, and I’m ready to return the favor. Truly, since I’ve benefited from the collective knowledge and spirit of this group, I want to contribute in my own small way, and support my colleagues so that they can get the most out of this powerful community.
Who in SIGUCCS inspires you?
My mentors through the formal SIGUCCS mentoring program: Mat Felthousen, Sheri Prupis, and Brian Allen, for their individual wisdom and collective willingness to be my trusted advisers; Beth Rugg, for informal mentoring, pulling me into her circle, and always being amazing and accessible; my SIGUCCS “tribe”, including Laurie, Allan, Chris, Kristen, Lucas, Mo, Scott, and Shawn, for listening to my boring gripes, daily challenges, dumb questions, and bad jokes at times too numerous to mention; and every board member, ever volunteer, every presenter, and every person who’s worked in public or behind the scenes to make SIGUCCS great. Every volunteer moment is a blessing to the rest of us.
What’s an accomplishment that you are especially proud of?
I’ll never forget the first major presentation I gave, which was at SIGUCCS 2009. It felt like I’d reached the next level to be accepted as a presenter. Before my presentation, I worried that I wouldn’t do it right, that no one would come, that it wouldn’t be interesting. As I walked into the room (late!), I saw that the room was full and even overflowing into the hallway. They’d all come to listen to ME. That was when I felt the flash of pride and humility at the same time: I was proud that they were there for my presentation, and humbled because I knew I was just one of them, doing my best to teach what I had learned.
You could always stop and talk to me about…
Classic wet shaving. Also, brewing and roasting coffee at home.
What do you do for fun?
I write fiction, including novels (no, haven’t finished any). I also play and dabble in designing board games.
What are you looking forward to at the SIGUCCS 2017 Conference?
Networking with friends and colleagues, and celebrating their accomplishments of the past year.
How do you take your coffee?
Light to medium roast, fresh ground moments before brewing, pourover brew, 1:18 coffee:water ratio. Black or with a touch of cream, depending on the quality of the coffee.
SIGUCCS 2016 promises to be a fantastic adventure in Denver this November! By now, you’ve probably been to 
