Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Statement to Council, Salt Lake City, March 2009

Mister President, members of the Board, fellow Councilors, staff and guests. We gather here today under the veil of unprecedented global turmoil! We ask ourselves how do we move ahead knowing full well that---Hope is not a strategy and Panic is not productive!

We must remember, however, that times like these are historically when discontinuous breakthroughs occur, and innovations fuel future growth. These things happen, not due to government or corporate intervention, but instead due to Individuals taking Action – well focused and decisive.

I lay out for you today a vision focused on Action, grounded in the tenets of our new ACS strategic plan. Picture a future where we have truly sustainable Innovation and Partnerships—creating technologies that can be leveraged into jobs, creating a ground swell of interest and excitement in STEM subjects! We must continue to provide forums for knowledge sharing about emerging technologies, especially those in ‘green spaces’ that may address the world’s challenges.

We must engage in the dialogue helping government officials understand these new areas. There is a significant flow of money into research and job creation efforts—we need to show where chemistry fits into this and drive support for specific funding.

We will not do this alone….the ACS should lead the way in bringing people together to address problems facing the world: academia, government, industry…inside and outside of the US—I have seen the benefit of truly global partnerships. 2011 will be the International Year of Chemistry providing a catalyst to showcase how chemistry benefits peoples’ lives, as well as a tremendous opportunity to promote science education—let’s paint a vision of what these technologies mean in terms of chemistry careers—igniting the fire in the eyes of our youth!

We will not, however, get to this future vision without also embracing sustainable Leadership: we need each of us in the Society to become better leaders! In times of crisis, we need leaders who are courageous and inspiring, remove barriers, drive new ideas, and embrace diversity. I have worked hard to develop new leaders in all of my teams—it is truly a great return on your investment!

In all of this, we must each do our part…it is the critical thing…many ideas will fail, but some will succeed. We are scientists—we know that ultimately success is a function of creativity, hard work and perseverance….this journey will be no different! I have valued the discussions with many of you in the past few days---sharing your insights, concerns and ideas…I have learned a lot. I leave this meeting so invigorated, and am looking forward to moving back to the US over the next few months.

In closing, I ask for your vote. Together, we will help build a bright, sustainable future for ourselves and our global community! Thank You!