Words, people, and the privilege of serving ACES

I’ve told the story of my first ACES conference many, many times. Partially because it’s such a fond personal memory, but mostly because it shows how ACES brings editors together and helps them feel like they belong. The heart of ACES has always been its people — passionate, dedicated, whip-smart, and curious. They’re leading the charge on inclusive, conscious language; they’re guiding and supporting new editors; they’re championing the value of facts and accuracy in the written word. Quite frankly, you’re my people. I’ve known it since that early morning in a Las Vegas conference meeting room learning about dictionaries, and I’m celebrating it now as I close the chapter on my tenure as ACES president.

My time as ACES president was rewarding and challenging in equal measure, as the best things often are. It asked much of me, as the association was continuing its transition to a more professional, mature organization. Though at times the work wasn’t glamorous (helping create policies and procedures, collaborating to identify both strengths and gaps, reenvisioning goals and mapping how to best achieve them), it was always necessary and valuable. The group members shifted, but the goals stayed the same: help ACES uplift and educate members, maintain a strong voice for the industry, and diligently seek to create community for working editors.

I’ll be forever grateful for the time I spent with my fellow board members, our collaboration, and the good work we did in support of ACES. I’ve learned so much from them, our committee and task force volunteers, our Education Fund members, and our previous ACES presidents; I carry their wisdom with me still. It’s been such a privilege, and such fun, to spend time with so many great minds, exceptional editors, and outstanding people.

Words matter. Accuracy and truth matter. Human creativity and skills matter. You, dear edibuddies, matter — so very much. I hope, by being part of ACES, you’re empowered to greet the day and the copy in front of you with a feeling of community, the knowledge that your skills are essential and invaluable, and hope for the future of the industry.

It’s been an honor. I’m excited to pass the baton to Mark Allen, as he and Constance Brossa lead ACES for the next two years, and I’m thrilled to see what the future holds. Thank you for the privilege of serving as president of ACES.