San Diego Space Society

Board of Directors Election

Posted by Chris Radcliff in Chapter Updates on January 7, 2010

It’s that time again, time to meet the candidates for the San Diego Space Society Board of Directors. Elections have been moved up to January this year, to align the SD Space planning year with the calendar year. You can cast your ballot at the program meeting on Sunday, January 10th or file an absentee ballot before Friday, January 15th. (See details below.)

As occasionally happens, we have exactly as many candidates as positions. (Why isn’t hard work at no pay more popular?) Because of that, your choice is simple: yes or no for each candidate, with a simple majority required to decide.

The Candidates

Treasurer: Sandy Eulitt is an astronomer, STEM education consultant, software engineer, and database administrator. A member of Women in Aerospace, the Society of Women Engineers, and Society of Physics Students, she has volunteered for Julian Starfest and Project ASTRO as well as attending and speaking at the AIAA and American Astronomical Society conferences. Sandy hopes to help the SD Space Society expand into a role of providing STEM-related activities and education services to the local and regional community, in order to inspire and educate current and future generations to pursue science, technology, engineering, and math-based careers, especially aerospace engineering and space sciences.

Director: Scott Olson, raised in San Diego, is an Airworthiness Engineer at General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. A graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Technical Management, he is currently finishing his thesis for a Masters in Space Studies and Aeronautics. He also holds a degree in history and has worked for the San Diego Historical Society. Scott has loved aircraft and spacecraft all his life; the desire for both human spaceflight and robotic exploration has always excited his imagination.

President: Jesse Clark is a graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and works as a computer systems administrator. He has previously worked for NASA at the Johnson Space Center, Mission Control and for Honeywell on commercial aircraft avionics for programs such as the Boeing 777 and the Bombardier Global Express. He is an avid space enthusiast and space exploration advocate, is a member of The Mars Society – San Diego and the National Space Society and led the charge to form the San Diego chapter of the NSS. He is a pilot, amateur stargazer, eco-advocate and enjoys science fiction films and the great California outdoors. Jesse lives in the University Heights area of San Diego.

Secretary: Chris Radcliff is the proprietor of Global Spin, a group passionate about science, technology, philosophy, film, and futurism. He is a programmer, technical writer, novelist, blogger, and member of The Mars Society and the National Space Society. He lives in Hillcrest with his lovely wife Karen (also an SD Space member) and his six-year-old son Ben. Chris is the lead organizer for SpaceUp, the first unconference for the space community, to be held in San Diego this spring.

Director: Adrian Clausell has been a resident of San Diego since January 17, 1994 the same date as the Northridge earthquake. He moved to San Diego from Dallas, Texas where he grew-up and obtained a B.S degree in Biology in 1987 from the University of Texas at Dallas and in 1993 received a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology form the U.T. Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. After moving to San Diego, he worked on the molecular regulation of HIV at the Salk Institute, La Jolla. Beyond spaceflight and all technical areas associated with it, his interests are also in the areas of exo-biology, space communications, electronics and last but not least aviation. In November of 2007, he successfully completed training in the Light Sport category of aircraft and received his Sport pilot license.

Director: Dave Dressler is the Technology Manager for Regional Occupational Program (ROP) at the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE). Dave takes care of information systems in support of ROP classes running in San Diego County High Schools. He has been a member of National Space Society since 1980, was present for the maiden launch of the Space Shuttle Challenger, volunteered in support of the International Space Development Conference 2006 in LA and led the ISDC tour to the Mojave Space Port. He enjoys traveling (in space?), scuba diving (inner space), zip lining, progressive rock music and bicycling. Dave lives in Oceanside with his wife Jody, daughter Aurora and son Aidan.

Director: Jeff Berkwits grew up during the Apollo era, and that early fascination with space travel has fueled his lifelong interest in both science fact and fiction. As a freelance writer he has written about sci-fi literature, music, and film for dozens of Internet and print periodicals including Science Fiction Weekly, Locus Online, SCI FI, Cinescape, and Filmfax, among others. He has twice been nominated for a Hugo Award, and also served as editor-in-chief of Amazing Stories magazine. He presently works as a marketing and public relations consultant.

How To Vote

Ballots for this election will be available at the January 10th meeting of the San Diego Space Society. Paid members of the San Diego Space Society (either 2009 or 2010) may vote, once per household. If you are not a paid member, you may vote by purchasing a 2010 membership either at the January 10th meeting or via the online form before January 15th.

Paid members unable to attend the January 10th program meeting may vote by absentee ballot. The ballot can be downloaded here, or you may email to request a paper ballot in the mail.

Download the 2010 SD Space Absentee Ballot (PDF, 61KB)