Today we bring another special “farewell edition” Inside the Board, this one with Steven Jong. Steven’s term on the Board of Directors ends with the Summit in May and we asked him some questions as a look back at his tenure on the Board and as a farewell. Please join me in thanking Steven for his years of service and wishing him well in the future.
How long have you been an elected official at STC?
Eight years. I’m finishing my three-year term as a Director at Large. Before that I served on the Boston chapter administrative council for five years, including a year as chapter president.
What positions have you held?
In Boston I was a council member, then went through the progression of second vice president, first vice president, president, and immediate past president. I also served as a competitions judge, lead judge, best-of-show judge, member of the competitions committee, and judge trainer. Finally, I chaired the awards committee.
At the Society level I’ve been a judge, lead judge, and best-of-show judge at the International Technical Publications Competition. While I’ve been on the Board, I’ve led the Certification Task Force.
Cindy Currie recently blogged about the “aha” moment when someone first suggested she run for office; she had never considered it before that. What was your “aha” moment? What or who first motivated you to run for STC office?
I believe it was Hans Fenstermacher, a former Boston president and now an Associate Fellow, who first recruited me to serve on the council. I had been active in the competitions, but had never thought of myself in a chapter leadership position. At that time we had family matters to resolve, so I had to turn him down. But he was persistent, and the next year I agreed to run.
After I finished on the Boston council, the Nominating Committee approached me about running for the Board. This time I was available but my employer was unsupportive. But by the next year I had another job and I was able to run.
What special set of skills do you think you brought to STC over your tenure?
I brought a willingness to work through details and an analytical bent. That, and the ability to hit a ringing high C, which served no purpose but was fun to do.
What was the biggest challenge you faced on the Board?
Collectively, the biggest challenge we faced, without a doubt, was the fiscal crisis of 2009. We’re not out of the woods yet, but I’m happy we’ve reached 2010, because there were times last summer when it didn’t seem we would.
What do you think was your biggest personal accomplishment?
I am personally most satisfied with the progress we’ve made on the Certification Task Force. The Society has discussed the issue for decades without reaching a decision. But in the last three years we’re done necessary foundation work and gathered information needed to decide.
What are you going to miss most about being on the Board?
Serving on the Board has been an intense experience. I will miss the strong working relationships with the people on both the Board and the staff, whom I like, respect, and admire.
Is there anything you’re not particularly going to miss?
Members have the unfortunate impression that “STC Central” is some huge, faceless government bureaucracy, like City Hall, and too many think it’s OK to be abusive towards us because that’s what we’re paid for. Well, there are only two dozen of us, total. The staff isn’t paid to take abuse, and the Board isn’t paid at all.
Any parting words of advice for the person succeeding you?
Keep your arms and legs inside the ride at all times.
And any parting thoughts for STC members as you ride off into the techcomm sunset?
But I’m not dead yet! Seriously, I’m not going anywhere, and I plan to be involved in technical communication for many years to come.