To: Society for News Design members
From: Past Presidents
Matt Mansfield, the current SND president, has resigned, effective June 18. The reasons for his resignation are not altogether clear to those of us who do not sit on the board of directors, but I — and at least 13 other founders and past presidents of SND who participated Thursday in a lengthy teleconference that discussed the resignation and its ramifications — are convinced that Matt did resign in the interest of the Society.
In the phone conference, we fully acknowledged Matt’s worth to the Society and his many and valuable contributions over many years. We tried to dissuade him from resigning, but he was steadfast.
Where does that leave the Society, and more important, what does it mean to you, as a dues-paying member?
One, the Society is more than one person. Let’s remember that the Society is made up of true believers, or as Mario Garcia put it, “fools with enthusiasm.” That spirit cannot be dampened. This is just a temporary, albeit serious, setback to an organization that is essential to the future of journalism.
Two, know that the Society and its programs will continue. The Buenos Aires workshop will take place this September; the design contest in 2010 and its subsequent awards book will continue; Design magazine will be published as will SND Update; and regional workshops and Quick Courses will continue as scheduled.
Three, since this resignation caught everyone by surprise, in the coming weeks and months the remaining officers and board members will take whatever steps necessary and appropriate to address this challenge. You may be called on to volunteer; if so, we hope you’ll step up to the plate and take your strongest swing.
Current Vice-President Bonita Burton, now presumed president, has asked the past presidents to act as an advisory group to her and the board as she and others plot the Society’s immediate and long-term strategy; the past presidents have agreed. That’s a lot of firepower to bring to bear on whatever challenges she might face. Bonita and SND have our full support.
We hope you, too, will continue to support your Society through these rough times and to contribute in any way possible.
Thank you.
Richard Curtis
An SND founder and past president, 1982-’83
The twin resignations of the president and executive director of SND come at a time of unparalelled crisis for the newspaper industry—a time when designers should be looking to the organization for ideas and leadership. Yet despite a good deal of brave optimism, the vagueness of the notes from Matt, Elise, and now the past presidents raises more questions than it answers. As a longtime member I’m wondering:
• What is the behind the divisions on the board?
• What is the mechanism for electing a new president?
• What changes in its mission is SND considering?
Like a lot of SND members, I want to support the organization in any way I can. But first I need to understand the events of the past few weeks.
I second Dan’s request.
I’m not interested in whatever petty bickering or internal politics has occurred. But clearly, some issue was of such magnitude that it’s caused resignations of two key leaders. The membership of SND deserves to know what’s going on.
The society has no right to operate behind closed doors. But it’s done so for a number of years, now. A little sunshine, please.
Bonita Burton and I will host a chat at 3:30 p.m. EDT tomorrow (Tuesday) to answer these questions and more. Please join us. http://bit.ly/17oUte
Excellent, Matt. Excellent.
Thanks, Matt and Bonita. I posted a few questions in the comment section of your invite.
They had a q&a but they did not answer the questions
Wes, please keep the questions coming. This is an ongoing conversation and we’ll continue adding to the FAQ. You can also email me directly at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)