Ben Woelk

Ben has worked as a technical communicator for more than twenty years. For the first fifteen years, he worked as an employee of a small consulting firm offering technical communications and instructional design solutions to Fortune 1000 companies in the Rochester area. Most of Ben’s work has been in information technology and end user communications and training. Since 2004, he’s worked at the Rochester Institute of Technology, where he’s developed a strategic information security awareness program, and serves as Policy and Awareness Analyst in the Information Security Office. Ben also teaches as an adjunct instructor in Cyber Self Defense and Effective Technical Communications. Ben holds two masters degrees and was ABD in History at the University of Rochester. He also holds a graduate-level Advanced Certificate in Technical Information Design from the Rochester Institute of Technology.

Ben has served in a number of administrative roles in the Rochester chapter, including Program Manager, Vice President and Spectrum Co-chair, President, Education Manager, and Webmaster. As Rochester president (2010-2011), he worked to improve communications with the Society Board and office and with Rochester’s current and former members. During his leadership, Rochester led all chapters of their size or greater in renewals. They successfully implemented a zero budget and began designing their programs to serve a growing regional community.

As the Outreach Team Lead of the Community Affairs Committee (2011-present), Ben has built a program and developed a network of seasoned STC leaders that actively engages community leaders to assist them in meeting Society requirements, troubleshoot local issues, share best practices, resolve misunderstandings, and advocate for community needs.

In the EDUCAUSE Higher Education Information Security Council (2010-2012), Ben served as co-chair of the Awareness and Training Working Group, where he helped lead an international team in developing best practices in security awareness and recruited many volunteers to the team.

Ben is a frequent presenter at conferences, providing commonsense training in information security best practices for the “normal” person.

Candidate Statement: 

I want to make a difference. The Society is facing tremendous challenges as it adapts to a culture where volunteerism is waning. I believe my ability to analyze problems and devise solutions, understand customer requirements, and willingness to make tough decisions will serve the Society well.

I believe that the degree of satisfaction we gain from involvement in a professional organization is directly related to the depth of our involvement. One of the most rewarding ways to serve is in leadership. I’ve been able to make a difference in the Rochester chapter as an active leader and as the architect and team lead of the Outreach program of the Community Affairs Committee. Although it’s been challenging, it’s also been incredibly exciting and fulfilling.

I want to be a change agent and help STC reinvent itself to keep pace with a changing profession and society.

Other Links:

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/benwoelk/

Link to Candidate Questionnaire (.doc)