I thank the IEEE members of the Northern Virginia Section for electing me to serve as their chair for 2012, a humbling role given this section's exemplary record for volunteer service. I often hear the questions "Why join IEEE?" or "Why maintain my IEEE membership?" from area engineers. Certainly, some will define IEEE's value from the journals it publishes or the technical standards it produces given the clout of an organization with over 400,000 members worldwide, but these materials may be provided already by an engineer's employer or university so the question remains. At the local level, I believe, participation in IEEE offers a kind of value in interacting with fellow engineers not found elsewhere. The local IEEE professional workshops offer value whether one is a mid-career professional seeking to strengthen credentials and make a job transition, a mature professional preparing to start a consulting practice or a student making the transition from classroom to workplace.

The local IEEE technical seminars offer access to subject matter experts without the distraction of vendor marketing or the expense of commercial training courses. Furthermore, the volunteer nature of actives at the local level of IEEE offer opportunities for peer interaction and exercising "soft skills" not taught in universities. We are fortunate in the Northern Virginia Section to have such a dedicated core of volunteers, many of whom have been with IEEE for over a decade. I thank the outgoing 2011 chair, Dr. Tim Settle, for his excellence in leadership. He demonstrated the ability to think strategically about the needs of the section and acted with foresight to remove impediments to its future prosperity. In 2012 I look forward to working with Vice Chair Mithun Banerjee who has brought fresh energy into the section and the Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) chapter. I appreciate the continued service of Hemant Mehta as Treasurer for he has demonstrated dedication to a role without which the section cannot continue to exist.

It is commendable that Susanne Dreier has offered to continue with some administrative assistance to the section even as her other philanthropic responsibilities grow. Furthermore, I thank continuing and new directors Mr. Marc Apter, Mr. Michael Cardinale, Ms. Monica Mallini, P.E, Mr. Oscar Reyes, P.E., Dr. Pedro Rustan and Ms. Katie Schaffold, P.E. for their service to the section on a wide range of tasks. Also, I extend my best regards to the IEEE Washington, DC Section chair Prof. Paul Cotae. The collaboration of our two sections encompasses too many topics to list here; I look forward to continuing this excellent working relationship.

Returning to the theme of IEEE value, in 2012 I want to strengthen what IEEE Northern Virginia Section offers by expanding the extent of local activities. The continued economic instability leads many to question their own job stability and even to rethink career plans. It may dissuade students from completing the rigorous engineering degree coursework despite the widely-recognized shortfall of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills in the workforce. The resources for addressing these questions exist within the expertise of the local engineering community. The Northern Virginia Section can act as a conduit for imparting this wisdom among its members. The IEEE is a not-for-profit and non-partisan organization; that statement, however, should not mean that IEEE members are detached from public policy that holds consequences for the engineering profession. A noteworthy recent example is the U.S. Patent Reform Act that holds the potential to dramatically change the development of intellectual property, particularly from the perspective of start-ups and individual consultants. Our proximity to IEEE-USA and lawmakers offers a unique access to inform public policy development. Also, in coordination with the IEEE Washington, DC Section, I plan to continue offering the Scanner in both electronic and print media according to member preferences. Having a variety of communication media and events help inform and engage our members.

I invite you to attend the Administrative Committee (AdCom) meetings on the second Wednesday of each month. At these meeting the officers, technical society chairs, affinity group chairs and members plan future professional and technical events. Even if you are unable to attend I welcome your suggestions for creating a vibrant year of activities for local IEEE members.