PRESIDENT’S CORNER
There’s Strength in Numbers
O
ne trip overseas; two conference invita-
41% of members surveyed about voluntary accredi-
tions; three presidential initiatives; four
tation indicated they would apply for this distinc-
American Statistical Association Board
tion. Accreditation Implementation Committee
meetings; eight president’s columns; nine days at
members will provide recommendations by April
the Joint Statistical Meetings in Washington, DC;
on how to launch and operate the program.
about 10 visits to federal agencies; numerous letters
During 2009, the science policy program was
signed regarding federal appointments, funding,
active on many fronts under the able leadership of
and policy issues; 32 presidential address minutes;
Steve Pierson, the ASA’s director of science policy.
57 new ASA Fellows; approximately 170 commit-
On behalf of our association, I have written letters
tee appointments; 6,804 attendees at JSM (a new
of support for a number of government nominees,
record); and lessons learned too many to count. Just
stressed the importance of funding at a variety of
a few statistics to sum up a year as president of the
agencies, and voiced the importance of statistics
American Statistical Association. And in the end,
and statisticians. Our purpose is to increase the par-
the realization that the president is just one of
ticipation and visibility of statistics and the ASA in
18,000 members and staff who form, energize,
policy. Many members, who are experts in particu-
and lead the association. It has been an honor to
lar policy areas, have advised the ASA and me dur-
serve as president.
ing the year, and I am grateful for their help. With
sally C. morton
In three Amstat News columns this year, I asked
transparent self-promotion, I’ll also add that read-
the 2009 presidential initiative working groups to
ers interested in the interplay between statistics and
report on their progress. The Financial Status group
policy are encouraged to learn more about a new
reported in June; the Organizational Efficiency of
journal titled Statistics, Politics, and Policy (www.
Committees group reported in September; and the
bepress.com/spp). This electronic journal will study
Meetings group reported in November. All three
how good statistical thinking informs matters of
initiatives were motivated by the ASA strategic
public policy and politics.
plan. Members will see the working group recom-
I’d like to say thank you to our 2008 president,
mendations being put into practice in the coming
Tony Lachenbruch; the ASA staff and board; and
year as the association more rigorously considers its
especially Ron Wasserstein, the ASA’s executive
spending policy and reserves, committees form into
director. I am the first president who has served as
councils for increased effectiveness and communi-
president-elect, president, and past president dur-
cation, and the new Statistical Practice Conference
ing Ron’s tenure. I can only say, “Ron, things are
is advertised. I thank the members of all the work-
looking up,” as I pass the baton to Sastry Pantula,
ing groups for their contributions in moving the
the 2010 president. We are indeed fortunate to have
association forward.
him as our leader in the coming year.
A voluntary accreditation program was approved
And, finally, I’d like to thank all the members
in 2009 and is under way with the formation of an
who volunteer day in and day out to keep the
Accreditation Implementation Committee, chaired
American Statistical Association the vibrant profes-
by Iain Johnstone. Reaching out to underserved
sional body it is. It has been a pleasure and delight
groups in the association is a challenge identified in
to serve as your president. Thank you.
the ASA strategic plan. The new program is a way to
provide additional services to some members, and
Sincerely,
December 2009 AmstAt News 5
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