Staff Spotlight

Jeffrey A. Myers

Aloha nui loa! My name is Jeffrey A. Myers (only mom calls me Jeffrey, so please call me Jeff), and I am the ASA’s new public relations coordinator. I joined the staff in late July. In fact, my first four days on the job were at the Joint Statistical Meetings in San Diego. Now that was baptism by fire! While I was in a constant state of bewilderment at that meeting, I have since started to get my head around the field of statistical sciences thanks to the tutelage of Executive Director Ron Wasserstein, Science Policy Director Steve Pierson, ASA Past President Bob Rodriguez, and current President Marie Davidian. Thanks, all!

I grew up in Mount Union, Pennsylvania, a small town of 2,500 people nestled in the south central part of the state. I attended Robert Morris University in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Pittsburgh, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing. Following graduation, I followed my father’s boot prints and joined the U.S. Army, where I was assigned as a senior public affairs specialist with the 3rd U.S. Infantry, “The Old Guard,” at Fort Myer, Virginia. The Army’s official ceremonial unit, The Old Guard conducts arrival ceremonies for foreign dignitaries at the White House and Pentagon, funerals in Arlington National Cemetery, and other ceremonial duties.

After leaving the Army, I joined the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA) as an entry-level communications staffer. During my 17 years with the organization, I rose to become vice president of communications and was promoted to executive director of its consumer branding program. My next career stop was a three-year stint at a small communications consultancy in McLean, Virginia.

My role at ASA is to raise the profile of statistics, statisticians, and the ASA with the public and the media. A major undertaking in this area is the International Year of Statistics, which you likely view as a celebration of statistics. I see it as a public relations campaign that will help educate people around the world about how statistics improves their lives.

When I’m not checking my ASA email or working on my office “to do” list, I enjoy reading books about history, walking my three dogs, biking (only in warm weather!), watching Pittsburgh Steelers and Penn State football games, and traveling. My wife, Mary, and I very much enjoy visiting Hawaii—where we will live someday—and our many friends on Maui. That explains the opening greeting, which, if you’re wondering, means “much love or fondest regards.”

I have been blessed to work for some tremendous organizations throughout my career, and I am excited about being part of another great association and working with you—its passionate and dedicated members. If ever you need my assistance, please contact me at jeffrey@amstat.org or (703) 684-1221, Ext. 1865. Aloha!