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Relevance, reputation and professionalism

Kumar Parakala, Information Age

10/04/2008 12:36:47

IT'S A GREAT TIME TO BE A MEMBER. You not only enjoy worldclass professional development programs and networking events, but our profile and influence with government and employers have never been higher. That means greater recognition and status for our members and better opportunities to advance your knowledge and your career.

In the past few months, the ACS has achieved some important milestones that are foundational to our strategic vision to be the leading ICT professional association in the Asia Pacific.

The new governance structure passed at last year's AGM has enabled a more efficient and streamlined operational structure that costs less to run and improves our ability to make decisions.

In recognition of our more strategic board-based approach, in which small groups of highly qualified members drive ACS initiatives in key areas, the former Management Committee has been renamed the National Board and will be run along board lines. Branch Executive Committees have been renamed Branch Boards, with the former NSW BEC now known as the ACS NSW Board.

The National Board, which comprises the President, immediate Past President, three VPs, Treasurer, CEO and four branch representatives, oversees the operational management of the association, freeing up the National Congress to focus on strategic policy initiatives.

The areas of focus for 2008 include membership growth, globalisation, resource management, skills and career development and advocacy. The new structure ensures that the National Board is always up-to-date on what is happening within the Society and empowered to make the best decisions to support our continued growth and development.

Finding the right CEO was another significant milestone and in Kim Denham, we have a Chief Executive who shares our vision and who has the broad depth of experience across both business management and the ICT discipline to help propel us forward.

The new ACS has a positive and strategic outlook that recognises the critical role played by ICT professionals in shaping our future and driving economic prosperity. We enjoy the trust and respect of government and provide advice and expertise to relevant departments.

This mutually beneficial relationship was demonstrated by the recent appointment of ACS Telecommunications Board Director Professor Reg Coutts to thegovernment's Broadband Panel of Experts.

In addition, our current work with computer societies from around the world to develop an internationally recognised standard for ICT professionals will allow participating ACS members to travel and be recognised for their expertise all over the world.

I believe my target of 40,000 members by the end of 2009 is eminently achievable as the ACS continues on its strategic path of relevance, reputation and professionalism.