PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Message from the President: Successes and Challenges for AIPG
J. Foster Sawyer, CPG-10000
foster.sawyer@
sdsmt.edu
It is with decidedly mixed emotions that I write this last column during my year as President of AIPG. I feel warm thoughts for all the truly outstanding people who contribute to AIPG in so many ways, excitement for all of the possibilities that lie before AIPG, and a touch of melancholy because the year has run its course and soon I will no longer be part of the daily activities of the AIPG headquarters office. I would like to take this opportunity to highlight some of the successes that AIPG has recently enjoyed, some of the challenges that AIPG faces, and to share some thoughts for the future.
First, the successes. What a fantastic annual conference in Alaska! I cannot thank the Alaska Section, Conference Chair Keri Nutter, and all of the Conference Planning Committee members enough for their efforts in organizing a wonderful conference! The field trips were superb, the technical sessions were excellent, the flow of events was flawless, and the over- all atmosphere was vibrant and enjoyable. Participation of a healthy contingent of students in conference activities, and especially the student poster session, added immensely to the excitement that permeated the event. I also must recognize and thank the AIPG headquarters staff for their herculean efforts in the many ways in which they contributed to the annual conference and all of the other conferences and activities that they organize and sponsor throughout the year. AIPG is blessed to have a highly talented, dedicated staff in the headquarters office in Colorado, and I count them as one of our greatest success stories.
Other successes for the Institute include the leadership that AIPG has enjoyed at the national level on both the 2015 Executive Committee and on the upcoming 2016 Executive Committee. The 2015 Executive Committee faced a number of challenges, and they met each challenge with thoughtful, proac- tive responses; operating at all times with a sense of coopera- tion, respect, and with the best interest of AIPG at the heart of their decisions. The national officers and Advisory Board members on the 2016 Executive Committee are comprised of an interesting combination of geoscientists reflecting AIPG’s diverse membership, including several early-career Advisory Board members who will bring new perspectives to discussions occurring at the national board meetings.
One of the discussions already occurring among Executive Committee members includes potential changes to the national bylaws that would facilitate participation of Young Professionals and Student Associates in more leadership roles and activities within AIPG. And speaking of Student Associates, I cannot highlight our successes without emphasizing the tremendous strides that AIPG has taken in recent years with respect to stu- dent members and Student Chapters across the nation. At last count there were 30 AIPG Student Chapters and approximately 3,300 Student Associates which is perhaps our greatest success
story of all. Continuation of the policies and decision-making that led to these significant gains in young members is critical to the future growth and success of AIPG.
Now the challenges. Many geoscientists, ranging from stu- dents to seasoned professionals, view AIPG as nonessential to their careers, opting to obtain alternative credentials or to join other professional organizations. A significant number of our members also are in the latter stages of their careers. Given these factors, AIPG must continue to seek and identify methods through which we can attract new members and maintain our relevancy in a rapidly changing environment. This may entail asking some difficult questions about our organization and fac- ing some hard realities about why many geoscientists do not choose to join AIPG. We may need to reconsider the value of our membership categories, what AIPG provides for its members, and perhaps consider ways in which to increase that value so that we become an even more desirable professional organiza- tion for geoscientists.
AIPG is fiscally sound thanks in large part to the skillful financial management of Executive Director Siok and his staff, excellent guidance from our financial advisor David Rhode, and the efforts of numerous past Executive Committee members. However, further development of non-dues revenue is essential to the future growth and financial security of the Institute. Increased financial resources will allow more scholarships, outreach activities, assistance to state sections, advocacy for geoscience issues across the nation, and countless other activities that elevate the relevancy, recognition, and effective- ness of AIPG. Continued growth and wise stewardship of our financial resources also increases the stability and security of the Institute in case of unexpected economic circumstances or expenses. Another challenge related to the stability and future direction of AIPG lies within the work of the Executive Director Search Committee to locate and hire a new national Executive Director. It is essential that someone with the appropriate balance of abilities and experience is retained to meet these challenges and to lead AIPG into a strong and vigorous future.
Finally, I would like to express my gratitude for the opportu- nity to serve AIPG and for the faith and confidence that many of you have placed in me to lead the organization this past year. It has been a tremendously rewarding experience to meet and work with so many outstanding people associated with AIPG and to have the opportunity to give a small measure back to the profession that has provided such a fulfilling and interest- ing experience throughout my career. I strongly encourage all members to become involved in leadership of your Section and to attend and participate in the annual national Advisory Board meetings. AIPG needs your input and participation, and I can guarantee that the benefits you receive in return will far outweigh the time and energy that you invest. Thank you.
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