We continue today with the new feature, Meet the Staff. There are a few new staff members, so we thought it would be a good idea to introduce or reintroduce the entire staff to STC members. This will also give those going to the Summit a way to get to know the people you’ll be seeing all over the place running things, so feel free to come up and say hi. We’ll post one every week or so for the next few months. You’re welcome to pose questions for the staffer as well, and we’ll try our best to answer.
What's your name and title?
My name is Chip Boyd, and I’m the IT and Web Content Manager.
What is your area of expertise?
I graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a degree in electronic media, arts and communication (EMAC), with a focus in human computer interaction. My areas of expertise are Web and interface design, with an interest in computer-based learning and Web marketing.
Titles are one thing—what do you actually *do* at STC?
I am the one-man computer-everything team. My main responsibility is our many websites, but I also work on our server and network infrastructure, IT needs, user desktop support, and hardware and software support and purchasing.
What have you done in previous jobs that prepared you for this job?
Previously, I’ve held similar jobs that required me to wear a variety of hats. I’ve managed multi-site, middle-sized networks, developed complex websites alone and as part of a team, and handled server and system administration for a variety of environments.
Care to tell us a bit about your family/pets/etc?
I am originally from NJ, but have lived in the DC area for going on 6 years now. I enjoy building, painting, and playing with 28mm scale sci-fi models. I think that one day this will lead to the ruin of my eyesight, but for now I will continue this hobby.
What do you do when you're not hard at work for STC?
I’ve recently gotten into biking, and I’m also working into getting back into crew. I was a coxswain for seven years and won some jewelry along the way. I enjoy being on the water or the trail, even more so with summer just around the corner.
Can you tell us about an odd talent or skill you're particularly proud of?
If you’ve ever seen me, you’ll know I have a fidgeting problem. To counter this, I’ve taught myself a variety of ways to twirl a pen. I can drummer-style twirl or spin the pen around my thumb, forward and backwards, with both hands!
Any final thoughts or comments?
I came into STC at a very pivotal moment. At this crossroads, I’ve done everything in my power to work with and for our members so that the Society can prosper.
Welcome, Chip! Glad to have you taking care of us. The changes I’ve seen in our web presence and the occasional chances I’ve had to correspond with you have been great. You’re responsive and you work to fix problems. Keep up the good work! We’re glad you’re here.