Originally posted 24 September 2016. Updated 7 April 2017.
STC (Society for Technical Communication) members recently received word that CEO Chris Lyons will step down. A search for a new CEO will begin soon recently culminated in the selection of Liz Pohland to succeed Chris.
Liz Pohland, just named as STC’s new CEO (image source: STSC)
I know a good bit about the CEO’s role and about the search process, having served on the search committee that recommended Kathryn Burton to the STC board of directors in 2006.
In the hope that our society will grow and thrive under its new leadership, I have some advice for the STC members (search committee and board of directors) who will evaluate candidates to be our next CEO.
He or She will be an association professional, aware of the challenges faced by today’s professional societies and up to date on best practices.
Beyond that, STC faces challenges in growth, in membership retention, and in a perception that it hasn’t kept up with the times. So there are certain skills and attributes that I especially hope our new CEO will bring.
Important note: By listing these skills and attributes I’m not implying that Chris or the existing office staff have fallen short in any way. I’m simply looking to the future. Continue reading
Leading Technical Communication 