IEEE President-Elect Candidates Respond to Questions on Governance Issues

IEEE President-Elect Candidates Respond to Questions on Governance Issues T he IEEE Computer Society has established a reputation for excellence within the computing field. As a component of the IEEE, the Computer Society’s activities parallel those of 44 other societies and councils serving the computing and engineering disciplines. Representing by far the largest IEEE society contingent, the Computer Society has 82,418 members, approximately 59 percent of whom are full IEEE members. Recognizing the influence and control the IEEE wields over the Society and in turn the power of Society members’ votes to influence the selection of the IEEE leadership, we posed questions to this year’s IEEE president-elect candidates. Because this election determines who will serve as president-elect in 2007, president in 2008, and past president in 2009—vital positions within the IEEE’s governing body—our members must cast informed votes. Our volunteer leaders have identified the following questions as essential to the Society, the IEEE, and the Society’s relationship with the IEEE. The first response to each question states the Computer Society’s position. These positions synthesize the views of our most senior leadership: the Society’s current, past, and incoming presidents. We present these questions and answers (limited to 150 words each) to help you make your decision in the IEEE election, which closes on 1 November 2006. Only ballots received by 12 noon, Central Standard Time USA (18:00 GMT) on 1 November 2006 will be counted. We also remind and encourage you to cast your vote for Computer Society leaders by 2 October 2006 in our Society election. —Michael R. Williams, IEEE Computer Society President-Elect