Director-at-Large Candidate
by Linda King, STC Director-at-Large candidate
Why I Seek Your Vote
The past few years have been a time of significant change and challenge for our industry and for STC. At the Society level, the STC Board of Directors is driving changes that will shape our organization and our profession in the coming years. I am a staunch advocate for STC and believe passionately in the unique value that skilled technical communicators can provide. Active membership in STC has been a significant factor in my own professional success, so I want to help ensure its continuing value for technical communicators worldwide.
Careful strategic planning, professional management, and effective delegation are critical to ensure the health and growth of STC. Cost-effective avenues for continued training and skill building are essential for advancement in our careers. Initiatives to raise the visibility and stature of our profession are needed to increase employers’ perception of the value of technical communicators. At the same time, STC members need more and clearer communication from the Board and administrative staff to understand issues, the basis for decisions and the positive steps being taken, and the expanded information and services becoming available to members.
As a 30-year technical communicator, career-long member of STC, and an STC community leader, I have followed developments at the Society level with keen interest. While serving as STC Houston president this year, I’ve had new opportunities to learn what is happening at the Society level and have become directly involved whenever possible. I am a Leadership Community Resource (LCR) volunteer and a member of the STC Finance Task Force, the Voice of the Communities committee, and the 2007 Academic-Industry Leaders Summit. I am also a volunteer member of the proposed initiative to develop a technical communication body of knowledge. I regularly attend STC conferences, where I’ve led springboard sessions and made presentations. I co-hosted international judging in Houston, judged internationally in 2006, and hope to be an international judge again this year. I have also served effectively on boards of other nonprofit organizations.
I am running for a position on the STC Board of Directors because I want to contribute directly to sound decision-making for the benefit of the entire organization and to expand and improve communication from the Society to our members. As an STC Director I will bring dedication, valuable listening, analytical, negotiation, and mediation skills, and an unusual breadth of experience that enables me to conscientiously represent all communities in our organization: I have lived abroad; worked in a variety of technical industries for companies large and small; contributed as a lone writer, team member, and manager; and been a member of both very small and very large STC communities.
I hope you will allow me to serve you at the Society level by casting your vote for me in the STC election occurring March 12 through noon on April 14, 2008.
