Prior to the Summit we offered a few “farewell editions” of Inside the Board, as outgoing Board members offered a perspective on their service. Today we begin with “welcome editions” of Inside the Board, for the new members of the Board of Directors who took their seats at the Summit. Today’s welcome is to Tricia Spayer, Director.
First of all, congratulations! Can you give us a thumbnail bio of your non-STC life?
Thank you! What?? There’s life outside of STC? Get outta town!
I’m a technical writer/illustrator at Pressco Technology Inc., which engineers and manufactures high-speed, intelligent vision inspection systems for the global food, beverage, and container industries. I won’t bore you with all the tech comm details—that’s all we hear about all day long at STC.
In my SPARE spare time, I make exercising a priority. In the winter, I use my recumbent bike, elliptical, and walking DVDs. When the weather’s nicer, you’ll find my husband and me walking/hiking in our gorgeous Cleveland Metroparks and bicycling on the towpath in the incredible Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
I believe in always having something good to look forward to. For me, it’s about vacations. My husband and I have taken nine cruises so far, and are planning one for next year. We’ve visited 30 different countries so far and have many more to visit. I like to learn about the culture before I visit some places—I learned Italian, Greek, and Spanish before some trips to converse with the locals. When I vacation in the U.S., I usually visit some beautiful place in Michigan (where my mom grew up, and where we vacationed ever since I was a baby).
When I’m exhausted from everything else, you’ll find me curled up with my two cats (my girls) watching an old movie on Turner Classic Movies or reading a cozy murder mystery.
How long have you been an STC member?
10 years. I also attended a couple local conferences before I joined.
What other positions have you held in STC, both in the communities and nationally (if applicable)?
In the Northeast Ohio chapter: membership committee, membership chair, Secretary, Vice President, President, Immediate Past President, bylaws chair, Regional Conference Committee member.
For STC International, I’ve volunteered for the LCR and reviewed session proposals for the 2009 conference.
What prompted you to run for office this time around?
This was my first time running for Director. I was nominated by someone, so I thought carefully about it, and decided that yes—I have what it takes to make an excellent Director.
What do you feel you bring to the position?
STC leadership experience. I served the Northeast Ohio chapter continuously for about 10 years, six of which I spent on the Executive Committee. I’ve worked hard to help our chapter be successful, and have a good idea of what our communities need. I also bring a positive attitude and the excellent spirit and energy from my chapter, which allows us to accomplish big things and have fun while doing so.
What advice have you been given by those you’re replacing?
- Don’t be “nice”
- Have fun with it
- Be myself
- Don’t claim that I’m going to change everything
What are your goals for your term in office?
My term is just a year, but I’d like to see a few things happen. I’d like to see more of a concrete mentoring program in place for communities and for individuals. This is an individual membership Society—I’d like to see members get what they need from the Society, such as education, direction, and more opportunities for advancement.
I’m also beginning work on the Community Advocacy Committee (CAC). Through this committee, I want to see communities getting the tools and support they need to flourish.
Any final comments for readers?
You will get MUCH more out of STC than you put into it. But you do have to put some effort into it. Join in on the discussions on your SIG listservs. Help your community—volunteer for a position. Write an article for your newsletter or STC publication. Step a little out of your comfort zone. STC is your sandbox to try things you haven’t done before. People who have done these things before you are generally still around. Use them as mentors, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. We’re all in this together. This is our Society.