FROM THE NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE CHAIR

Scott Schwahn, schwahnso@ornl.gov

Dear Colleagues,

As you may have noticed on the recent Accelerator Section ballot, there was only one nomination per executive officer position. It has been pointed out that the ballot had the potential to be "perceived as inner circle machinations." This is a valid criticism.

I wanted to let you all know that we on the Nominations Committee put forth considerable effort to fill the ballot for officers this year. We solicited for nominations on two separate occasions, and made many additional phone calls in an attempt to get two nominees per position. All nominees were contacted; with the exception of those on the ballot, all but two turned down opportunities to serve in leadership positions. (We actually had two other nominees who were willing to serve, but both were from the same Lab as one of the other nominees, and we didn't want to give an impression that we were "stacking the deck!") Reasons for turning down executive officer positions were dominated by inability to commit to travel, though many cited that they are too busy.

We have a small section with many members having served in multiple positions over many years, but I noted that there are even more members who have never accepted any leadership positions. Please strongly consider future opportunities to get involved in Section leadership, or in any leadership position within the HPS. You can serve in almost any position even if you are only a Student Member or Associate Member! Start small if you'd like, and work your way up. I can tell you, with no reservations, that service to the profession and to the HPS has been immeasurably rewarding.

I congratulate and thank those who stepped up to the call and were on the ballot; I have every confidence that their leadership will be a model for those to follow.

Best regards,
Scott Schwahn