IRIS to Begin Search for a New President

In a letter to IRIS Member Institutions and staff last week, David Simpson announced his plans for retirement after 22 years as IRIS President. With the recent announcement from NSF that it intends to support the Consortium's 2013-18 proposal for "Seismological Facilities for Advancement of Geoscience and EarthScope", this is an opportune time for the Consortium to reflect on its long-term goals and search for new leadership to keep the Consortium, its facilities, and services vibrant and responsive to the evolving needs of the Earth science research and educational community.

A year-long process has been initiated by the IRIS Board of Directors to search for a new president. It is anticipated that a Search Committee will be established by mid-summer and selection will take place early in 2014. The Board strongly encourages the IRIS community's involvement in the transition process. Board Chair Brian Stump is reaching out to Member Representatives to welcome their input and advice. All members of the community are encouraged to provide comments and suggestions to the Transition Team (Board members Anne Meltzer (Chair), Jeroen Tromp, and Jeroen Ritsema).