To the INFORMS Community:
As you probably know, Melissa Moore, who has served as INFORMS' Executive Director for the past nine years has announced that she plans to retire on September 1, 2020.
This is a bittersweet announcement. We can all celebrate that moment when a colleague has reached that point in their career and life when they can make such a decision and look back with pride as to what they have accomplished. By the same token, we can also reflect on the close hard work that we have done with that colleague to solve problems, advance solutions, and to just make a difference. Such is the case with Melissa.
As Executive Director, Melissa has been an important member of our leadership team and a great partner in devising and executing strategy for INFORMS. Those of us who have worked with her on the Board or in other capacities have greatly admired her "can do" attitude and her ability to lead. But beyond the Board, the broader INFORMS community is stronger today, and our organization is poised for continued growth, because of her hard work and tireless commitment.
Over the past nine years, Melissa was instrumental in establishing our solid, sustainable foundation for the future. Our financial position is stronger than ever; attendance at our meetings has grown; the number, reach and impact of our peer-reviewed journals has expanded; and new programs, initiatives and other activities have not only contributed to increases in our membership, but have also raised the awareness, interest and engagement our community and other stakeholders in numerous important ways.
In the months ahead we will engage in a rigorous search process for our next Executive Director. This process will be led by a search committee that is currently being formed, and which will be co-chaired by Pinar along with Steve Graves who was recently elected as our 2021 President.
In the meantime, we look forward to Melissa's active engagement and leadership throughout the duration of her time as Executive Director. More importantly, we hope you will join us in congratulating and thanking Melissa for a job well done, and in wishing her all the best for a wonderful retirement and all the adventures to come.
Sincerely,
Ramayya Krishnan (2019 President)
Pinar Keskinocak (2020 President)
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Pinar Keskinocak
Professor
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta GA
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