I am running for President because I want to strengthen the global computing community. As computing takes on an increasingly central role in society, we must reinforce the connections among the diverse people and groups that make up ACM and ensure that every member feels welcome, valued, and able to make a meaningful impact. Stronger ties within our community will help us maintain high standards, give us the capacity to grow thoughtfully, and increase the enjoyment and pride that come from participating in ACM.
I will continue ACM's current efforts on open science, globalization, and responsible computing. I will also prioritize the affordability of ACM conferences, our response to the impact of AI across ACM, and our push to lead in new areas such as quantum computing. In addition, I will launch the following three initiatives.
Increase communication: I will take every opportunity to tell the community what we are doing and to respond to concerns and ideas. As we improve our digital library, select conference locations, and combat collusion rings, I will write blog posts, host town hall meetings, invite feedback, and encourage the leaders of all units of ACM to do the same. More communication will help make ACM more open and cohesive, while giving everyone a voice.
Support ACM volunteers: ACM depends on the dedicated work of volunteers, but too many of them are overworked and experience burnout. I will address this by encouraging and recruiting new volunteers, and by giving them better tool support. I will increase awareness of how all members can participate in entry-level volunteer roles, strengthen the volunteer pipeline, and introduce frequent-volunteer points to visibly recognize sustained service and encourage broader participation.
Engage the next generation: For ACM to continue to thrive, we must bolster our efforts to recruit, retain, and support students. I will expand ACM student groups at universities and colleges worldwide by inviting students to found new chapters, leveraging nearby ACM groups for support, and partnering with local computing departments. Stronger student chapters will help students connect their local activities to the global ACM community and encourage continued membership after graduation. I will also create an ACM-wide mentoring network, modeled on successful efforts in some of ACM's special interest groups.
Through these community initiatives, we will lay the foundation for ACM's continued excellence.