If you missed it, the SPD Abstract Deadline has been extended to June 2. Please join us in Baltimore this fall! We are also requesting feedback on the recent NASA Community Meeting, see the Special SolarNews released on May 27 for more information.

I thought I would use this Chair’s Chat to tell you some general information about your SPD Committee. The Committee currently includes me, Nicki Viall (vice chair), Anna Manushenko (secretary), March DeRosa (treasurer), Craig DeForest (former chair), and Rebecca Centeno, Vanessa Polito, James Mason, and Lucas Tarr (elected committee members).

The SPD operates on a nested chair system, meaning the elected Vice Chair serves 1 year as Vice Chair, 2 years as Chair, another year as Vice Chair, and then two final years as a committee member, meaning the Vice Chair elect is a 6-year commitment. The secretary and treasurer are both 3-year terms, though they are encouraged to run for a second 3-year term. Committee members serve 2-year terms. It is great to have the leadership be on the committee for several years to provide continuity, while the more rapid turnover of committee members provides fresh perspectives and ideas.

The SPD Committee tends to meet monthly to discuss the business of the Division and more frequently if there are issues. There is one in person meeting each year, usually the Sunday before the SPD Meeting. We also have one business meeting each year during the SPD meeting where we present to the entire SPD membership the reports of officers and committees and the transaction of business affairs. This year, the SPD Business meeting will be held the Tuesday of SPD Meeting (Aust 11th). Please plan to attend.

These are the folks that run the Division and advocate on your behalf. We welcome your feedback and input. You are welcome to reach out to anyone on the committee or to the entire committee as a group ([email protected]).

Until next time,
Amy