Statement in Support of Candidacy for IEEE Technical Vice President
Before 2000, I served AT&T Labs as Technology VP, and later
Program Planning/Management VP. More recently, I have served as
a consultant in technology planning, and in a Silicon Valley startup
for R&D enterprise decision support systems .
The IEEE exists to provide unique, affordable products and services
to our members, academia, industry and government ; it must be
a leader in electronic publications/services. World class technical
leadership and business practices are essential ingredients. The
TAB VP must lead TAB, but also be a key player on the IEEE management
team with the Board of Directors.
Basic industry redirections are underway, including shifts from
internal R&D. Venture-funded R&D and contract development/manufacture
are business models being used today. These models seriously affect
IEEE members and programs. My Board experience as Director for
both Divisions I (Circuits and Systems, 2000-01) and III (Communications,
earlier) as well as a Society President help me understand the
IEEE infrastructure/cost issues. Costs need to be streamlined
for the environment. I understand and appreciate the problems
facing our large Societies as well as our small ones
I have wide international experience. Further, as IEEE-USA VP-Technology
Policy I am working with the Societies to strengthen our programs
informing Congress and the Regulatory Agencies on vital current
issues. Many Societies need to be more supportive of regional
programs globally, programs vital to members in start-ups, larger
companies, academia and government.
I will deal with the technical challenges and infrastructure cost
issues promptly. For years I have run organizations with $100M+
budgets- always balanced and properly weighted. I am familiar
with valuable practices (e.g. activity based costing) which can
benefit the IEEE. I will work closely with our colleague Board
members to lead technical strategy, planning and operations to
a healthy future as Technical VP.
(editor's note -- as IEEE members we are all worried about the
financial crisis of the Institute. Ralph rescued the CPMT Society
from a similar crisis in the early 90s as both a Board member
and the President. He has also helped the Institute by his wisdom
in his just completed term as Director of Division I. Please think
about this and vote in the election.)