As a long-time active member, I am concerned about the current state of the Institute. Dues are going up, our technical societies are uncertain as to their future, conference attendance is dropping, and web-based competition is growing. As President, my goal will be to ameliorate the current deficiencies, reduce expenses, while adding value to our members.

It is safe to say that volunteers and staff are conscientious and well meaning. But are we making best use of staff? Do we have an optimum number and mix to achieve our goals? Are our goals affordable or how can we make them affordable by improved efficiency and less cost to the member? Are there additional services that would be of value in our careers and would attract the profession and improve the member retention rate? Can we then make the IEEE more member responsive, more efficient and less costly to operate?

For example, at the request of 24 Society Presidents, an external consultant has been retained to review IEEE’s infrastructure to identify improvements that can be made that would significantly increase efficiency and lower costs. The study is supposed to be completed in time for the November 2002 Board meeting series. The Board approved this study at a cost of US$358K plus expenses, with the Societies agreeing to pay for the study. The study itself will include a number of interviews with IEEE volunteers and staff members.

Since TAB requested this action, I support it. However, I question it. The time is short for an outside organization to conduct the study; the IEEE is really a complex organization and does not follow the mold of the conventional non-profit that the consultants are more experienced in dealing with; the findings may depend upon the individuals interviewed. We are a volunteer organization whose members have considerable talent. Why can’t we do this ourselves and also save the expense?

It is necessary to understand the changing market place and world dynamics, and how to operate as a business and yet be volunteer-driven. Metrics must be established to determine what areas and funds are most appropriate to achieve the Institute’s strategic goals. The Board should more actively review the level of staff and staff structure to optimize the usefulness of that resource. It is hard not to believe that the staff is too large for our purposes. It is necessary for the staff to provide timely and useful information to the Board to enable them to make more effective decisions.

Demonstration of our global presence is adequately accomplished through regional meetings and technical conferences. I would thus encourage the BOD and ExCom to hold its meetings in locations, which are optimum to reduce travel time and cost. Hotel lodging/food expenses and associated staff support costs should also be reviewed.

Concern has been expressed in many quarters over the restrictions placed on members from certain countries. The IEEE must continue its non-discrimination policy with respect to member services based on national origin. However, residents of these countries cannot become members and enjoy member benefits while they are residents of those countries. Currently, the IEEE is a US corporation and must obey US laws that supersede any statement in the IEEE Constitution and bylaws. Even if the IEEE were not a US corporation this requirement would exist because so much business is done in the US and local laws have to be obeyed. Unfortunately, this is the price that some of our innocent professional colleagues who live in these countries must pay. Certainly, we should not be charging dues but it is my understanding that they may purchase papers and proceedings but not at a favorable member price.

In summary, this is my platform:

• Provide financial planning and stability and reduce expenses
• Improve efficiency of Board operations
• Improve trust and communication
• Enhance membership value
• Ensure the viability of our Technical Societies
• Stimulate educational activities and career development
• Ensure volunteer input and participation globally
• Improve the retention rate of members, including students
• Restore industrial acceptance
• Enhance the image of the profession

I have the vision, drive and experience needed to lead the IEEE, and I am willing and able to dedicate the time, energy and attention required by this most important position.  We can make the IEEE more member-responsive, more efficient, and less costly to operate.

I respectfully ask for your vote and thank you for your support.

Arthur Winston can be reached at the Gordon Institute of Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, MA  02155; Phone: +1 617 627-3112; Fax: +1 617 627-3180; E-mail: a.winston@ieee.org; Web site: http://www.arthurwinston.com.