From The President
Off and Running
ALA President
James Sterling, Ph.D.
Keck Graduate Institute of Applied Life Sciences
Claremont, CA |
When 2007 ALA president Reinhold Schafer passed the gavel to me at LabAutomation2008 in Palm Springs, he and the members of the ALA Board of Directors also passed along serious marching orders — the 2008-2010 ALA Strategic Plan.
I've been a member of the ALA board since 2006, so this plan isn't new to me. As one who contributed to its development, I am well aware of the potential it promises, and I am grateful to have its guidance as I begin my year as president.
The ALA Strategic Plan is the thoughtful result of a careful collective effort. The first plan was adopted in 2004 for 2005-2007, and it served ALA very well. In fact, one could say it literally jettisoned our organization forward, greatly expanding its operating scope, and leaving an impressive line-up of program improvements and new membership benefits in its path. As this second iteration of the plan takes hold (without skipping a beat), we all can look forward to how it will translate into meaningful opportunities for lab automation professionals.
In support of ALA's purpose, mission and core values, the 2008-2010 ALA Strategic Plan addresses four general categories with top-level objectives for each:
- Constituency — Identify and engage the disciplines and industries that best define the evolving scope of service for the organization within the next three years.
- Education and Information Resources — Identify, develop and implement a comprehensive portfolio of educational and informational services and products.
- Global Identity — Establish partnerships, systems and awareness programs to evolve ALA outreach, membership and identity around the world.
- Organization — Establish and cultivate an enterprising organization and infrastructure with the capacity to deliver mission-centric programs and services for the global membership.
Any plan in and of itself does not produce results. The key to ALA's planning success has been the disciplined commitment of its leadership. I look forward to working closely with the ALA board members, volunteers and staff throughout this next year as we keep this plan enthusiastically in focus. In the meantime, to see more specific goal statements and some steps to be taken to begin implementation of our objectives, please read the 2008-2010 ALA Strategic Plan in its entirety, by visiting labautomation.org.
Sincerely,
James Sterling, Ph.D.
2008 ALA President
Keck Graduate Institute of Applied Life Sciences
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