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Report of the Executive Director

Tobi A. Brimsek

Good evening. It is hard to believe, but this is the seventh time I stand before you to share our challenges, growth, progress, and successes. Each year I've experienced at SAA has had a unique identity, and this one is no exception. This past year has been marked by change, even transformation, tempered by the economic realities of the world marketplace. Last year I promised that SAA would not be standing still and, in fact, we are not. As the Greek philosopher Heraclitus put it, "there is nothing permanent except change." And that characterizes our current posture very well.

We have continued to prosper and move forward, due in large part, to the well-planned strategy of the Board of Directors. That is not to say we have hit a road without bumps. SAA is not exempt from feeling the challenges that stem from a lagging economy. We are fortunate, however, to be a resilient and nimble enough organization to weather those challenges. SAA's Board has created an environment that enables us to seize opportunities while ensuring that our financial security continues to be an enduring keystone.

So, what are the big changes that have driven staff this past year? What are the successes we'd like to share? This year, we underwent a transformation in terms of our technological infrastructure to meet our needs now and for the coming decade. Miraculously, this happened seamlessly, though certainly not effortlessly. Phase one of this project is complete. Phase two is the web-based, interactive, live database to be implemented this summer. These are visible changes, not masked in the behind-the-scenes operations and will allow you to transact much business with the Society 24-7, including the dues renewal process for 2004. In addition to streamlining business functions, these web-based services will reduce SAA's administrative costs. We are truly putting technology to work for you.

This technology transformation is led by Maurice Harris, SAA's manager, Information Services, who joined the staff in May, just before our "live date." Talk about on the job training! Maurice brought order to what could have become chaos. Joining Maurice in his efforts is our part-time Information Services Assistant, Everett Lindsay, who blends his artistic and computer skills to support our web and increase our in-house web programming options, giving SAA more flexibility and control of our own site.

Technology changes may have been the most pervasive in the past year, but they are by no means the sole focus of staff. For example, Bette Fawley, SAA's manager, Membership and Marketing provided you here with the largest exhibit hall in our history. Despite the lagging economy, the hall expansion that was strategized for Milwaukee came to fruition due to her hard work and superb efforts. I'd also like to thank our exhibitors for their support of the Society. Our huge success in the hall is juxtaposed to the economy-driven mixed results of many of our other non-dues revenue sources. Partnering with Bette in her efforts is Jennie Simpson, coordinator, Membership and Marketing, the friendly voice many of you hear on the phone or via email as she ably assists you with your questions.

John Neikirk, SAA's manager, Publications has had an extraordinary year as well. As you are aware, the first issue of e-tiquity, our electronic publication series, was launched. John also coordinated the JSTOR project, bringing back issues of American Antiquity to you electronically. In addition to the serials, John produced two new titles for the book program, both of which are premiering here in Milwaukee.

One of those new titles is Archaeologists and Local Communities: Partners in Exploring the Past edited by Linda Derry and SAA's part-time manager, Education and Outreach, Maureen Malloy. Having wedged in this book along with a myriad of other projects, Maureen is currently repackaging some of the vital data brought to light in the Harris poll (a study of the public attitude towards archaeology), and she is coordinating the development of fact sheets addressed to numerous audiences, including Capitol Hill legislators.

That brings us to the Government Affairs program led by David Lindsay who joined the Society last April. David is blending his superb Hill and political skills with SAA's environment. The strong government affairs program he inherited grows even stronger each year.

None of these things would be completely possible without the assistance of the administrative staff. Jenele McKinney, our manager, Accounting Services, along with Melissa Byroade, coordinator, Administrative Services serve less visible but absolutely vital roles in Society operations.

In sum, this was a year that tested our tenacity in many ways. It has also prepared us for the significant challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. We look forward to another eventful year and receiving the membership's input from the recent needs assessment survey.

One of the upcoming opportunities in 2004 is the 69th annual meeting. The Call for Submissions was mailed earlier this month. Plan ahead—l'année prochaine à Montreal—next year in Montreal. I hope to see you there. Thank you.