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?
Our former CIO (John Bucher) of 19 years was a SIGUCCS champion. He encouraged others in our IT organization to attend the conference and get involved. I started by volunteering for Session chairs and helping at the Registration Desk.

Why did you want to be a Board Member?
I served on the Resnet, Inc. Board for many years. I have enjoyed shaping and participating in the SIGUCCS organization.

Who in SIGUCCS inspires you?
I am inspired by everyone that writes papers and gives presentations and participates in SIGUCCS. Many dedicated people share their knowledge and talents with the organization to make it better. And we all benefit from the new knowledge and shared experiences that we get to share each year.

What’s an accomplishment that you are especially proud of?
I have been the public address announcer for my Alma mater’s band program. I never thought I would be the voice behind a microphone, but it is something really enjoy.

You could always stop and talk to me about…
Playing music instruments. I get tons of enjoyment from music making and learning about music.

What do you do for fun?
I play Instrumental Music in a program called New Horizons. Adult’s learn to play or revisit instrument playing after long periods of time. I currently play the Bass Clarinet and the Alto Saxophone.

What are you looking forward to at the SIGUCCS 2018 Conference?
SIGUCCS 2017 was a great conference in sunny Seattle. I look forward to seeing everyone at SIGUCCS 2018.

This article is part of a series introducing the 2017-2020 SIGUCCS Executive Committee and our appointed positions. Each Committee member submitted answers to questions created by the SIGUCCS Marketing Committee.

How did you get involved in SIGUCCS?
I attended my first conference in 1988 and have now attended a total of 17 SIGUCCS conferences. However, it wasn’t until I presented my first paper in 2005 that I started feeling “involved”.

Why did you want to be Communications Award Chair?
I agreed to serve as the Communications Award Chair because (a) I feel that I can apply the organizational skills I honed as a Conference Track Chair ; (b) I will be able to get advice from previous incumbents; and (c) a personal invitation that spelled out the tasks and time commitment.

Who in SIGUCCS inspires you?
John Bucher – I learned something from every encounter at conferences over the years; Bob Haring-Smith – his intelligence, wide range of experiences, quick wit, mad editing skills, and calm presence made for an amazing co-worker; Mo Nishiyama – as I strive improve my planning skills; and the Triumvirate from Carleton College (Kendra, Travis, and Kevin) who exemplify teamwork and work/life balance. I have learned something from almost everyone I have met at the conferences. So many have made me feel welcome over the years.

What accomplishments are you especially proud of?
Achieving ACM Senior Member status; my Masters degree in Statistics; dancing on stage (various performances – dancing in front of others is scary and takes a lot of preparation).

You could always stop and talk to me about…
Dancing, singing, or Ireland.

What do you do for fun?
Dance! I take 2-3 dance classes each week (a wide variety of different styles over the years). My husband and I attend traditional Appalachian square dances almost every weekend. I also enjoy singing, reading mysteries, working Sudoku puzzles, and hiking in the woods.

What are you looking forward to at the SIGUCCS 2018 Conference?
Every year I look forward to seeing the friends I have made over the years. This year, one of my conference accomplishments was to meet some of the communications awards winners since they will serve as judges in 2018.

How do you take your coffee?
The 2017 conference is over but I like my coffee (a) decaf mixed with instant hot chocolate mix or (b) as an Irish Coffee (Irish whiskey and whipped creme).

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?
I was a recent graduate and my manager at the time (Fran Versace) thought it would be an important professional development opportunity for me. Plus, the timing of the fall conference was a perfect change of pace after back-to-school.

Why did you want to be a Board Member?
I hadn’t considered being on the Executive Committee per se. I was asked by a couple people to consider running, and I wanted to give something back to an organization that had come to mean so much to me personally and professionally.

Who in SIGUCCS inspires you?
There are dozens of people. I am inspired by the considerable contributions of our volunteers, from their generosity in sharing in online forums to the production of the annual conference. Almost all of my close friends are a part of SIGUCCS, and they have had a part in who, and where, I am today. I never met Penny Crane, but I did know Beth Ruffo. Her enthusiasm for SIGUCCS was contagious, and she encouraged me to take on my first official role as NY state captain in 1997. Later on, leaders such as John Bucher, Rob Paterson, Leila Lyons and Bob Haring-Smith were influential for their thoughtful commitment to the organization, and the people who are a part of it.

What do you wish you knew before you decided to be on the board?
The adage of “the more you know, the more you don’t know” applies. Being on a team of strong leaders means equally strong, and often differing, viewpoints. I had some training on emotional intelligence and ‘Meyers-Briggs’ leadership types, but putting all that theory into reality, particularly in a volunteer organization, was experience that will help me through the remainder of my career.

You could always stop and talk to me about…
I prefer listening to talking, so I can understand what is important to the person. I tend to try to solve problems, whether it is fixing something that broke, or thinking of ways for people to find common ground. You could start with telling me your goals in life, or a problem that you are having.

What do you do for fun?
This weekend I was on my back on a garage floor, completely failing at keeping transmission fluid from staining me, the floor, and everything in between. The previous weekend I worked on bringing modern wiring up to the second floor of my house, which by way of detour, will involve creating a new closet upstairs. Both of those are more fun than they sound. If it involves tools, chances are I’m going to like it. Traveling lets me work on photography and discover new music (love alternative stations on XM). I only get to read while on vacation now, and will usually go through a few books in a week.

What are you looking forward to at the SIGUCCS 2017 Conference?
Seeing all of my friends again, and hearing about their accomplishments. I’ve never been to Seattle, so it will be great to explore that area.

How do you take your coffee?
Cafe Mocha.

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?
Some coworkers were presenting at the Baltimore conference in 2004, and I went along. I had heard a lot of good things about SIGUCCS from other folks, and wanted to check it out.

Why did you want to be a Board Member?
Service is a hell of a drug. The more you volunteer for events, mentoring, and conferences, the more you see how crucial that service is to the sustainability of this organization. The Board is the next step, and will allow me to give that much more, and I can do my part to keep this great group running!

Who in SIGUCCS inspires you?
Wait, I can only give one answer? So many folks . . . Mo Nishiyama never fails to impress me how he can capture an audience in less words than it takes you to order at Starbucks. Trevor Murphy taught me that it’s the people who DON’T come up to introduce themselves that need (and are worth) attention. Of course, Laurie Fox showed me that life can throw all sorts of stuff at you, but as long as you stay strong, SIGUCCS will be there to prop you up, and then you owe it to SIGUCCS to prop up others after that.

What’s an accomplishment that you are especially proud of?
I convinced one of my SIGUCCS mentees to ask to be promoted to CIO at his college — and it worked!

You could always stop and talk to me about…
The Green Bay Packers

What do you do for fun?
I read way too much, and when I’m not staring at a screen or a book I like to get outside — camping, hiking, fresh-air sorts of things.

What are you looking forward to at the SIGUCCS 2017 Conference?
Yet another chance to see a great group doing great things!

How do you take your coffee?
In a cup, preferably my SIGUCCS 2008 speaker mug.

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?
I decided it was important for my career goals to be published and also improve my public speaking, and SIGUCCS conferences allowed me to do both. My first SIGUCCS conference was in 2008 and I’ve been attending ever since. Volunteering to help with various aspects of the conference was a natural extension of my participation- I got a lot of benefit from attending the conference, and I wanted to give back.

Why did you want to be a Board Member?
I’ve been focused on advancing my career the past several years, and SIGUCCS has been an important part of that. Through SIGUCCS I’ve been mentored and have met valued friends and peers who constantly amaze, inspire, and challenge me to do better. SIGUCCS has helped me up my game, and I want to help build more resources so future participants gain the same benefit.

You could always stop and talk to me about…
LGBTQ and Women in Technology-related career and workplace matters, resume advice, baseball (especially the Giants), dogs, travel, and favorite beers or breweries.

What are you looking forward to at the SIGUCCS 2017 Conference?
Seeing good friends!

How do you take your coffee?
All the ways! At home I typically use a drip method with cinnamon in the grounds, sometimes black and sometimes with cream (real cream). Sometimes I cold brew, again with cinnamon mixed in the grounds. At work I have a Nespresso and usually aim for an intense ristretto, black because I dislike having to deal with storing or steaming milk in my office. At a coffee shop, I typically get a flat white, double soy latte, or an americano.

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.

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 director suggested I go to my first conference. Within a few years I was asked to volunteer for different conference positions and have been active on and off (mostly on) ever since.

Why did you want to be a Board Member?
One of the things I learned in my early years with SIGUCCS was that working in IT in higher education was a career, and that I could grow into different positions and roles. Now, having been in these positions and after moving into management, I want to help keep this organization strong, provide direction, and help others see the potential of a career path in higher education.

Who in SIGUCCS inspires you?
For a long time I was inspired by the people that were on the board. Their hard work and dedication to the organization were admirable… look where that got me.

What’s an accomplishment that you are especially proud of?
Getting my doctorate last year, walking 2 half marathons this year so far (with two more to go).

You could always stop and talk to me about…
Boy Scouts – my son is an Eagle Scout and I am still active in his old troop.

What do you do for fun?
Right now I am a 10U baseball groupie… I have been going to 10 and under baseball tournaments. And I don’t even have a 10 year old! It’s a lot more fun when you are going to see someone else’s child. (Our neighbor’s youngest plays)

What are you looking forward to at the SIGUCCS 2017 Conference?
I am looking forward to re-connecting with old friends and meeting new ones. I enjoy the relationships that I have built through the conferences.

How do you take your coffee?
I don’t 🙁 but am looking forward to Seattle anyway. Its not all about the coffee!