I want to take this opportunity to thank the longtime members of our association. When I read through the list (see April 2010 issue of Amstat News) of these members, I am always impressed. Here is the “who’s who” of our profession and, in particular, our association. They have a lot to be proud of, both personally and professionally. This list includes ASA presidents, vice presidents, board members, and executive directors, as well as many award winners.

July marks the anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. We hope to encourage persons with disabilities to become statisticians and fully participate in the ASA. In July, we also celebrate the 20th anniversary of the National Institute of Statistical Sciences (NISS).

Exciting things are happening within our association—our relationship with RSS through Significance, accreditation implementation, social media, electronic publications, and a new winter conference on statistical practice, just to name a few.

“GIVE to ASA” is my mantra for the year. That’s a G for Growth, an I for Impact, a V for Visibility, and an E for Education.

As statisticians, we make decisions based on data. Of course, that implies we do have to collect good data. This is the year of the Census 2010: Please make sure that you complete your census form.

There are a few hours to go before the Super Bowl commercials start. I promised myself I wouldn’t turn on the TV until I finish this column, but my mind keeps wandering. What exciting commercials will be on this time? I can’t wait to see the commercial for the 2010 Census!

I am proud that our association has about 18,000 members from such diverse backgrounds, but I would love to see our membership be much higher. As I meet our members and many potential members at various conferences and chapter meetings, it is clear we can enhance mentoring of young statisticians. They are the future of our association and our profession.

It is Thanksgiving Day as I write this column, though by the time you read it, it will be the beginning of a very happy new year. I wish you all a peaceful, healthy, and prosperous year, and I look forward to working with you to make our association thrive.

One trip overseas; two conference invitations; three presidential initiatives; four American Statistical Association Board meetings; eight president’s columns; nine days at the Joint Statistical Meetings in Washington, DC; about 10 visits to federal agencies; numerous letters signed regarding federal appointments, funding, and policy issues; 32 presidential address minutes; 57 new ASA Fellows; approximately 170 committee appointments; 6,804 attendees at JSM (a new record); and lessons learned too many to count. Just a few statistics to sum up a year as president of the American Statistical Association.

In January, ASA President Sally Morton shared information about three initiatives undertaken this year to address issues raised in the ASA Strategic Plan and promised to provide updates to members over the course of the year. Here, Nat Schenker and Maura Stokes describe the third initiative.