Index

For IEEE Division Delegate-Elect/Director-Elect, 2015 IEEE Division Delegate/Director, 2016-2017 Division III (Communications)

It is my honour to have been nominated as a candidate for Division III Director. I will work diligently to respect the confidence the Nominations Committee has in my ability to serve IEEE and Communications Society members with respect and dedication. IEEE is a truly global organization which brings top quality technical information and opportunities to members and the community worldwide. It is certainly a pleasure to be able to serve such an organization. We have members from academia, industry and government. We all share a love of technology and an interest in the directions of communications technologies. We need to improve the value we bring to industry. Having worked over 25 years in industry, I understand some of the needs, and the interests. I will actively watch for new value we can bring to this community, working with the volunteers and staff to put programs in place to serve industry. In parallel I have also taught courses at universities, so I also have some understanding of the academic environment. Much of our life blood originates in the academic community. I plan to work closely with volunteers to continue this wonderful relationship. The balance between staff and volunteers is always important. We cannot function without one or the other, and we bring our best value when volunteers and staff work together as a team. In ComSoc this has usually worked very well. Similar relationships also happen in many areas of IEEE. I will continue to promote this teamwork to ensure that we have the strongest possible IEEE. I am proud that the current contributors to ComSoc have asked me to run. If elected, I will not let them down. On this site you will find more information about my past accomplishments and future plans. I request your active support and vote in this election. Celia Desmond President, World Class-Telecommunications 2007 & 2012 IEEE Director and Secretary 2006 IEEE Vice President Technical Activities 2002-3 IEEE Communications Society President 2000-1 IEEE Canada President
Celia Desmond, President, World Class – Telecommunications, providing training in telecommunications management, has lectured internationally. She is currently establishing a Project Management Office for Echologics, a water leak detection company, as their Lead Project Manager. As Director - Industry Liaison for Stentor, she was external technical linkage, and instrumental in establishing new culture and processes for service development and governance. At Bell Canada, Celia provided strategic direction to corporate planners, ran technology/service trials, standardized equipment, and provided technical and project management support to large business clients. Recent projects include major Canadian bank's network conversion to MPLS, and introduction of project management practices in a leak detection company. She authored Project Management for Telecommunications Managers (Springer), and Project Management for Telecommunications Projects (Wiley). Celia received the Donald J. McLellan Award for meritorious service to IEEE Communications Society, Engineering Institute of Canada John B. Sterling Medal, and the IEEE Millennium Medal. Celia holds MSc. Engineering, B.Sc. Mathematics & Psychology, Ontario Teaching Certificate and PMP certification. She has taught kindergarten, high school, and at three universities.
IEEE Accomplishments and Activities (M'76-SM'93-LS'14) COMMITTEES/BOARDS: 2014 Chair Honorary Member Award Committee 2013 Honorary Member Award Committee, MGA SDEA and TAB Service Award Committee 2012, 2007 IEEE Secretary 2010 Eric Herz Award Chair 2008-2009, 2012-2014 IEEE Governance 2008 Chair TAB N&A 2006 Vice-President – Technical Activities 2004 Chair IEEE Transnational Member and Chair IEEE Audit 2000-2001 Region 7 Director 1996-1997 Division III Director Region 7 (Canada): 2007-2010 Audit Chair; IEEE Canadian Foundation, Donations Chair; 2000-2001 President IEEE Canada SECTION/CHAPTER: Chair: 1993 Toronto Engineering Management Chapter Ottawa Section: 1985 Conferences; 1983-1984 Chair; 1982 Engineering Management Chapter SOCIETIES/COUNCIL: Communications Society (ComSoc): 2014 Wireless Conference Ad-hoc Chair; 2010, 2006-2008 Distinguished Speaker; 2007-2011 Certification in Wireless Engineering Technology Project Director; 2005-2006 N&A Chair; 2002-2003 ComSoc President Technology Management Council: 2008-2014 Board, Director of Chapters Engineering Management Society: 2005-2007 Vice-President; 2004 Board CONFERENCES: ICC 1997; ICUPC 1993; CCECE 1992; Infocom 1987.
MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS Established ComSoc Wireless Engineering Technologies Certification – lead effort from near beginning through development and past initial offering. This required an active team of over 100 volunteers and staff, approximately US$2M budget. Pull through training provides US$500K yearly. As ComSoc President, moved ComSoc to an IEEE building, and found solution which worked for ComSoc and IEEE. Managed ComSoc during the difficult post 911 years, held 50 th anniversary celebration, published book with citations from previous Society Presidents, held celebration event at Globecom, published oral histories on ComSoc website, an extra issue of ComMag, and digital archive 2- DVD set. Led IEEE Canada through the Millennium years, moved R7 website to IEEE server, got 21 committee charter documentations and approvals, updated bylaws and set-up annual US$3000 student VTC Scholarships. Streamlined R7 e-newsletter, added e-notice feature. During TAB/RAB Visits – found ways to help local members, including special arrangement for multiple universities in Uruguay buy IEL, and payment in rupees for members in India. Celia has been, and remains, a very active contributor to IEEE and to Communications Society. She currently chairs a committee within ComSoc building a new, industry focused conference for ComSoc. This ICT conference will be a new model for ComSoc and IEEE, extending the reach of IEEE to more end user organizations, bringing the IEEE value to more engineers globally. In 2014 she is chairing one awards committee and working as a member of 2 others. As Past Chair of the Governance committee she continues to help improve the overall operations of IEEE.
Statement
As Division III Director I will work with volunteers and members to strengthen industry support of IEEE by identifying and implementing new and better deliverables of value to industry. I will work with all members of the BOD to become more and more one IEEE, working together to unite IEEE organizations. I will use my experience in many IEEE Boards and committees to help each group to understand the others and find ways we can work together for the common good. I will ensure that IEEE introduces and focuses on policies which support and strengthen the technical Societies and Councils. This needs to start with helping all Board members understand the business of Societies. I will work with IEEE and ComSoc to introduce services and products which serve our current and potential members, with a view to improving retention and increasing recruiting.

2014 IEEE Annual Election - Candidate Q&As
All election candidates are requested to participate in a Q&A by answering the three questions listed below. The answer for each answer is 100 words. The purpose for the Q&A is to provide voters with additional material to learn about the candidates. The deadline for the Q&A is Monday, 23 June.
What do you believe are the major issues facing the IEEE?
IEEE is an organization known for providing trusted leading edge technical information to the professional community. IEEE relies on volunteers from industry and academia to develop this information, share knowledge with colleagues and support our organization. In recent years the business community has been pulling away from supporting IEEE while dealing with rapid, significant evolution of their markets, making it difficult for them to offer financial support and employee time. IEEE must find a way to reach business leaders, to determine how we can help them in meeting their goals, and to provide products of value.
What do you think is the number one goal for the IEEE leadership?
IEEE must rebuild our connection to industry in all areas of the world, maintaining our position as the world's leading source of electrical and computer engineering information. Membership is growing in regions outside North America, so IEEE needs to learn how to provide good value in these regions, especially with industry, and to work with our North American contacts to grow our membership and participation. We must leverage our strength in publication of papers and standards covering leading edge technologies, mainly supplied by the academic community. We need to use technologies to forge relationships with communities sharing our interests.
What qualifies you for the job?
I have been an active, highly contributing IEEE volunteer for many years. In ComSoc I have shown my dedication in technical committee membership and leadership, editorial positions, conference organization and multiple Board positions including President . As a previous VP Technical Activities I understand the technical side of IEEE and how to work at the IEEE Board level. I understand the geographic side of IEEE, have served as Chapter Chair, Section Chair and Region Director. I managed WCET, one of ComSoc's most successful efforts, from inception to successful implementation. I continue to contribute, and will continue my dedication to IEEE's success.

For IEEE Division Delegate-Elect/Director-Elect, 2015
IEEE Division Delegate/Director, 2016-2017
Division III (Communications)

It is my honour to have been nominated as a candidate for Division III Director. I will work diligently to respect the confidence the Nominations Committee has in my ability to serve IEEE and Communications Society members with respect and dedication. IEEE is a truly global organization which brings top quality technical information and opportunities to members and the community worldwide. It is certainly a pleasure to be able to serve such an organization.

We have members from academia, industry and government. We all share a love of technology and an interest in the directions of communications technologies. We need to improve the value we bring to industry. Having worked over 25 years in industry, I understand some of the needs, and the interests. I will actively watch for new value we can bring to this community, working with the volunteers and staff to put programs in place to serve industry.

In parallel I have also taught courses at universities, so I also have some understanding of the academic environment. Much of our life blood originates in the academic community. I plan to work closely with volunteers to continue this wonderful relationship.

The balance between staff and volunteers is always important. We cannot function without one or the other, and we bring our best value when volunteers and staff work together as a team. In ComSoc this has usually worked very well. Similar relationships also happen in many areas of IEEE. I will continue to promote this teamwork to ensure that we have the strongest possible IEEE.

I am proud that the current contributors to ComSoc have asked me to run. If elected, I will not let them down.

On this site you will find more information about my past accomplishments and future plans. I request your active support and vote in this election.

Celia Desmond
President, World Class-Telecommunications
2007 & 2012 IEEE Director and Secretary
2006 IEEE Vice President Technical Activities
2002-3 IEEE Communications Society President
2000-1 IEEE Canada President

Celia Desmond, President, World Class – Telecommunications, providing training in telecommunications management, has lectured internationally. She is currently establishing a Project Management Office for Echologics, a water leak detection company, as their Lead Project Manager. As Director - Industry Liaison for Stentor, she was external technical linkage, and instrumental in establishing new culture and processes for service development and governance. At Bell Canada, Celia provided strategic direction to corporate planners, ran technology/service trials, standardized equipment, and provided technical and project management support to large business clients. Recent projects include major Canadian bank's network conversion to MPLS, and introduction of project management practices in a leak detection company.

She authored Project Management for Telecommunications Managers (Springer), and Project Management for Telecommunications Projects (Wiley).

Celia received the Donald J. McLellan Award for meritorious service to IEEE Communications Society, Engineering Institute of Canada John B. Sterling Medal, and the IEEE Millennium Medal.

Celia holds MSc. Engineering, B.Sc. Mathematics & Psychology, Ontario Teaching Certificate and PMP certification. She has taught kindergarten, high school, and at three universities.

IEEE Accomplishments and Activities
(M'76-SM'93-LS'14)

COMMITTEES/BOARDS:

2014 Chair Honorary Member Award Committee
2013 Honorary Member Award Committee, MGA SDEA and TAB Service Award Committee
2012, 2007 IEEE Secretary
2010 Eric Herz Award Chair
2008-2009, 2012-2014 IEEE Governance
2008 Chair TAB N&A
2006 Vice-President – Technical Activities
2004 Chair IEEE Transnational
Member and Chair IEEE Audit
2000-2001 Region 7 Director
1996-1997 Division III Director
Region 7 (Canada): 2007-2010 Audit Chair; IEEE Canadian Foundation, Donations Chair; 2000-2001 President IEEE Canada

SECTION/CHAPTER:

Chair:

1993 Toronto Engineering Management Chapter
Ottawa Section: 1985 Conferences; 1983-1984 Chair; 1982 Engineering Management Chapter

SOCIETIES/COUNCIL:

Communications Society (ComSoc): 2014 Wireless Conference Ad-hoc Chair; 2010, 2006-2008 Distinguished Speaker; 2007-2011 Certification in Wireless Engineering Technology Project Director; 2005-2006 N&A Chair; 2002-2003 ComSoc President
Technology Management Council: 2008-2014 Board, Director of Chapters
Engineering Management Society: 2005-2007 Vice-President; 2004 Board

CONFERENCES:

ICC 1997; ICUPC 1993; CCECE 1992; Infocom 1987.

MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Established ComSoc Wireless Engineering Technologies Certification – lead effort from near beginning through development and past initial offering. This required an active team of over 100 volunteers and staff, approximately US$2M budget. Pull through training provides US$500K yearly.

As ComSoc President, moved ComSoc to an IEEE building, and found solution which worked for ComSoc and IEEE.

Managed ComSoc during the difficult post 911 years, held 50 th anniversary celebration, published book with citations from previous Society Presidents, held celebration event at Globecom, published oral histories on ComSoc website, an extra issue of ComMag, and digital archive 2- DVD set.

Led IEEE Canada through the Millennium years, moved R7 website to IEEE server, got 21 committee charter documentations and approvals, updated bylaws and set-up annual US$3000 student VTC Scholarships. Streamlined R7 e-newsletter, added e-notice feature.

During TAB/RAB Visits – found ways to help local members, including special arrangement for multiple universities in Uruguay buy IEL, and payment in rupees for members in India.

Celia has been, and remains, a very active contributor to IEEE and to Communications Society. She currently chairs a committee within ComSoc building a new, industry focused conference for ComSoc. This ICT conference will be a new model for ComSoc and IEEE, extending the reach of IEEE to more end user organizations, bringing the IEEE value to more engineers globally. In 2014 she is chairing one awards committee and working as a member of 2 others. As Past Chair of the Governance committee she continues to help improve the overall operations of IEEE.

Statement

As Division III Director I will work with volunteers and members to strengthen industry support of IEEE by identifying and implementing new and better deliverables of value to industry. I will work with all members of the BOD to become more and more one IEEE, working together to unite IEEE organizations. I will use my experience in many IEEE Boards and committees to help each group to understand the others and find ways we can work together for the common good.

I will ensure that IEEE introduces and focuses on policies which support and strengthen the technical Societies and Councils. This needs to start with helping all Board members understand the business of Societies. I will work with IEEE and ComSoc to introduce services and products which serve our current and potential members, with a view to improving retention and increasing recruiting.

2014 IEEE Annual Election - Candidate Q&As

All election candidates are requested to participate in a Q&A by answering the three questions listed below. The answer for each answer is 100 words. The purpose for the Q&A is to provide voters with additional material to learn about the candidates. The deadline for the Q&A is Monday, 23 June.

What do you believe are the major issues facing the IEEE?

IEEE is an organization known for providing trusted leading edge technical information to the professional community. IEEE relies on volunteers from industry and academia to develop this information, share knowledge with colleagues and support our organization. In recent years the business community has been pulling away from supporting IEEE while dealing with rapid, significant evolution of their markets, making it difficult for them to offer financial support and employee time. IEEE must find a way to reach business leaders, to determine how we can help them in meeting their goals, and to provide products of value.

What do you think is the number one goal for the IEEE leadership?

IEEE must rebuild our connection to industry in all areas of the world, maintaining our position as the world's leading source of electrical and computer engineering information. Membership is growing in regions outside North America, so IEEE needs to learn how to provide good value in these regions, especially with industry, and to work with our North American contacts to grow our membership and participation. We must leverage our strength in publication of papers and standards covering leading edge technologies, mainly supplied by the academic community. We need to use technologies to forge relationships with communities sharing our interests.

What qualifies you for the job?

I have been an active, highly contributing IEEE volunteer for many years. In ComSoc I have shown my dedication in technical committee membership and leadership, editorial positions, conference organization and multiple Board positions including President . As a previous VP Technical Activities I understand the technical side of IEEE and how to work at the IEEE Board level. I understand the geographic side of IEEE, have served as Chapter Chair, Section Chair and Region Director. I managed WCET, one of ComSoc's most successful efforts, from inception to successful implementation. I continue to contribute, and will continue my dedication to IEEE's success.