I apologize that it is already spring and this is the first “Chair’s Chat” I have written. Like many of you, I have struggled this past year to understand the path forward during these tumultuous times. I have taken heart, though, in all the great work that the SPD and its many committees are doing. Over the next few Chair’s Chats, I will catch you up on some of the activities going on behind the scenes.
This past month, we had elections for two new committee members and an incoming vice-chair. I want to thank all the candidates that stood in our last election – all of them were very worthy and would have been excellent on the SPD committee. We have a great nominating committee (Sarah Jaeggli- chair, Holly Gilbert, and Terry Kucera) and they did an outstanding job of finding highly qualified candidates to run for these positions. We go into every election knowing highly qualified candidates will not be elected. The willingness of these fine folks to take on the job and submit themselves to the election process says a lot about their character. Thanks to all for your willingness to serve this community. I am happy to announce that Bin Chen has been elected as vice-chair and Samaiyah Farid and Wei Liu have been elected as committee members.
In coordination with James Mason of the Heliophysics Coalition and Brian Walsh of AGU’s SPA Division, Gordon Emslie and the SPD Public Policy Committee led the charge in organizing the Heliophysics Fly-in congressional visit on May 11-12. Gordon reports there were 49 participants with over 50 office visits and over 500 miles walked this year. The fly-in that occurred in 2025 was extremely effective in educating decision makers and we hope this one will be equally as effective. I want to personally thank every person who took the time to complete the fly in both this year and last year. Even if you are not attending the fly in, there are many ways to be involved in the future of the field educating the public and decision makers. Please pay attention to the Calls to Action that Gordon sends out to the SPD via SolarNews and the AAS sends out in general emails.
Thanks again to the nominating committee, to the nominees, to the Public Policy committee and Heliophysics Coalition, to everyone who attended the Fly In in 2025 and 2026, and everyone who responds to the Calls to Action. The SPD community is strong because of everyone’s hard work and unity. You all make this community great.
Until next time,
Amy