MD Statement

From Earth Science Information Partners (ESIP)

Mike Daniels, NCAR

ESIP Governance Committee Chair Nominee

It is an honor to have been nominated for the position of Chair of the ESIP Governance Committee. I have been formally involved in ESIP since 2011, when I led the membership application process for the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). Over the past five years, I have encouraged others from NCAR (and elsewhere) to be engaged with ESIP and we have grown in our participation over the years. I believe NCAR staff have made significant contributions in a number of ESIP areas of interest since that time. Through ESIP, I have met so many folks in informatics and data sciences and the experience has both strengthened my career and brought about many friendships among like-minded individuals who understand the value and importance of earth science data. All of this great work and collaboration cannot happen without the underpinnings that governance provides, however, and so I view the Governance Committee function as crucial to the continuing success of ESIP as the organization enters its third decade.

I have served as an ESIP Board Member (2014-2015) and a member of the ESIP Constitution and ByLaws Committee (2015) which has given me a great opportunity to observe ESIP’s governance in action. I am also a Board member and Past President of another 501(c)3 community service organization. I believe Ken Keiser did an excellent job as C&B Chair, particularly in terms of meticulously ironing out specific challenges with the wording in the Constitution and ByLaws documents and also through tracking revisions by putting the documents into github (https://github.com/ESIPFed/Governance). The issues Ken addressed were timely and important and I would do my best to continue many aspects of his leadership if I am selected for the position. I understand that the biggest near-term issue for this position will likely be to lead the transition toward the new ESIP Bylaws/Policies and Procedures documents. I would be honored to serve on this project.