I've got to admit it: I think it's great to be the new kid on the block! You get to learn new things, meet new people, and in some cases (my coming to SRNT being one of them) bring to the table new knowledge and experience, or a perspective that is fresh and perhaps a little different.

Let me start with my perspective. I may not know nicotine research, but I do know membership associations, having worked for a variety of them for the past 20 years. And I can tell you, quite sincerely, that SRNT is a very special association. I see it in listserv discussions. I see it in the organization's efforts to be internationally inclusive in its leadership and its selection of meeting locations (i.e. Prague in 2005!). I see it in the behind-the-scenes efforts to support scholarships (membership, travel and conference) for people from developing nations, as well as our fundraising efforts to support a truly first class journal.

And I see it in the personal efforts of the many people serving as volunteers on behalf of SRNT, whether as members of the Executive Committee, Board of Directors, heads of committees charged with exploring a specific topic or issue, or members of those committees doing the actual research and debate. The words "integrity" and "dedication" come to mind easily and quickly.

I find it personally rewarding to work with a group of people whose chosen profession helps to improve people's health, save lives and, ultimately, make our world a better place. I also find it professionally rewarding to work with volunteers who consistently put the good of the group ahead of personal belief or gain. I am, indeed, fortunate.

I'm also fortunate to come to work with SRNT at an exciting time in your history. As SRNT marks its 10^th anniversary, your Board of Directors is taking the opportunity to review policies, procedures and structure to ensure the organization's ability to carry out its mission to stimulate the generation of new knowledge concerning nicotine in all its manifestations. I'm a huge fan of this type of review; the willingness to self-evaluate is a sure sign of institutional health. The corresponding indication of institutional strength will be evident in the implementation of changes suggested by the review.

This is where my knowledge and experience come in: my job will be to help position SRNT to undertake new projects; accept new challenges; find new sources of revenue; grow membership; and expand our impact. In short, I get to help take SRNT to the next level. I'm both proud of and humbled by that obligation.

If you see me in Prague, I hope you'll take a moment to introduce yourself and tell me a little about the type of research you're doing. SRNT is, after all, the sum of its members, and as the new kid I'm excited about the opportunity to learn more about the people and the work of this fine organization.