Dear friends,

I hope all of you had a restful holiday season, and you have now shifted into ASB abstract preparation mode – we are just a few weeks away from the submission deadline on February 25, and the Annual Meeting is only a few months away in Pittsburgh!

The Executive Board (XB) has been busy conducting the business of the Society, as you’ll hear more about in the columns by our XB members. We have a great group of thoughtful leaders who bring their own unique perspectives, and it has been a great joy and learning experience working with members past and present over my time on XB. I highly encourage all of you to get more involved, starting with volunteering on one of our many important committees.

One of our big initiatives this year is developing a new Strategic Plan for 2025-2030. All of you have had a first chance to participate in an initial survey last fall, and the XB has spent time at every meeting working towards the new plan. Please look for additional opportunities to provide input over the next few months as the plan comes together, or drop me an email any time to send your thoughts or schedule a zoom call.

Lastly, I want to echo the Development Committee when I say that ASB exists because of what we all put into it, whether that is our membership & registration dues or the time we contribute. If you are like me and you feel like you have gotten so much out of ASB both personally and professionally, please consider giving to the Society. Every bit helps!

See you in August in Steel City!