Jon Goldman Awarded Lifetime Membership

Weehawken, NJ.  February 24, 2010

From the Chairman:

Many SMA members have devoted countless hours to making our organization a viable one.  I count among their number the Founding Members who got us up and running and created a Constitution that has served us for nearly 30 years; each of our current and past Officers (Chairs, Treasurers, Secretaries); and the many who've served on the Executive Board and on various committees over the years.

The Executive Board has discretionary power to award Lifetime Membership to any member who has served the association in extraordinary ways.  A number of years ago, Bill Jones was awarded lifetime membership in the SMA for his extraordinary dedication and work on the then-new web site. And at our 25th Anniversary celebration in 2006, Lifetime Membership was bestowed upon all of our Founding Members.

As you probably know, Jon Goldman has been at the helm of totally revamping the web site.  He has, for the past 2 years and practically singlehandedly (and without compensation except for my constant thanks and encouragement), brought the SMA into the 21st Century with a site that's attractive, functional and easy to update and use. 

This work takes unbelievable dedication, perseverance and fortitude - it isn't for the faint of heart!  And the result is a site rich with information and capabilities, enabling the members of the SMA more readily to communicate, exchange ideas, chat, research, network, inquire, inform, share - all the things that the internet is so good at.  And somewhat unexpectedly it has attracted a whole raft of new members - our rolls have swelled to nearly 460 (as of this writing), more than we've ever had, by far.

At the last Executive Board meeting, Jon Goldman was awarded a lifetime membership in the SMA in honor of his extraordinary dedication and work on the new web site.

In addition to his work as Web Architect and Administrator, Jon currently serves as our Treasurer, in which position he's also revamping our procedures to make our finances more transparent and well-documented.  Before being elected Treasurer in 2009, Jon served a 3-year term as an Executive Board Member-at-Large.

Congratulations, Jon.  I express sincere thanks, on behalf of the Board and the Membership of the SMA, for your tireless work for our great organization, made greater by your efforts.

Richard Costabile, Chairman
Stage Managers' Association