A Farewell Message from Outgoing CEO Liz Pohland

As many of you look forward to connecting at the 2023 STC Technical Communication Summit & Expo in Atlanta next week, I am writing to share the bittersweet news that I will not be in attendance for the first time in 15 years. The Board of Directors has successfully concluded an executive search for the next leader of STC. I feel confident that STC President Timothy Esposito and STC’s new Interim Executive Director, working closely with the amazing Erin Gallalee (STC’s Director of Operations, Membership, and Community Affairs), will lead a strong and agile team dedicated to meeting the evolving needs of our field. Over the next couple of weeks, I will work with this new leadership and staff to ensure a smooth transition and seamless continuity of our work on behalf of the technical communication community and membership.

This leadership transition comes at a critical time for STC and provides us an opportunity for change and to continue to strengthen many of STC’s programs and initiatives, such as STC’s focus on core educational benefits for members. To every leader I have worked with on the Board of Directors, we have always endeavored to do the right thing for our members and partners. This has required impressive displays of teamwork, innovation, and resilience, and working with you has made my time as CEO nothing short of a privilege. And while I have made the decision to take my career in a new direction, I want all of you to know that I'm brimming with nostalgia, gratitude, and optimism.

To every member I have known personally, and to those I never had a chance to meet, it has been a tremendous honor to serve this community along with the talented individuals on STC’s staff, and with the hundreds of volunteers who all work tirelessly to support the Society and technical communicators at large. What no one will tell you, and few will ever admit, is that being an association executive is as much about leadership abilities and management skills as it is a vocation of the heart. It is as much about being smart and working hard as it is about being passionate and compassionate. It is as much about reading countless emails and attending many meetings and events as it is about listening and having empathy. I have made some of the best friends of my life at STC, and I thank you all for the many years of being able to work alongside you.

I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating, there is no STC without all of you. What lies ahead will be accomplished with your wonderful energy, creativity, support, and all your contributions toward shaping the Society and the broader technical communication field.

I hope you will continue to find your professional home within STC. I look forward to what our future holds.

All my best,

Liz Pohland

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