Outgoing Chair message for 2024

I am grateful for the faith placed in me by the local section for the past year, which went by with some notable accomplishments. First, I want to thank the outgoing Treasurer, Jeff Cornelius, for his many years of service and welcome Paula Miller as the new Treasurer. It was a pleasure working with Elizabeth Bergman, who now becomes the Chair for 2025, and with Brian Kamusinga, who remains our Secretary. We welcome JB Carroll as the new Editor of the Chemical Bond and thank Bill Doub for his service as a Director and Board Member; Bill remains Chair of our Investment Committee, which now includes Sean Dingman. Jim O’Brien was elected Director starting this year, and he won the 2024 Distinguished Service Award.

In 2024, the local section received a ChemLuminary Award from the National ACS as a result of no effort of mine, so Tabbetha Bohac, Donna Freidman, and the officers and members of the section deserve a great round of applause.

Eden Tesfu is the new Chair Elect, and I enjoyed getting to know her better through the Steering Committee and several dinners during the past year. We are always happy to have more officers from industry!

Lisa Balbes presided over a marathon day of chemistry merit badges for Scouting at Jost Chemical and Fright Night fun with chemistry for Girl Scouts, with help from Elizabeth Bergman and many volunteers. More volunteers are always welcome!

Tabbetha Bohac staged a great summer picnic at Creve Coeur Lake for the section, and a great time was had by all. Another fun social gathering occurred at the Continuity Dinner, held at Spiro’s in Chesterfield, where Elizabeth Bergman gave the Henry Godt Memorial Lecture. Jim O’Brien was on hand to take photos, as usual.

I had a great time, and the organization survived the experience. I pass the baton to Elizabeth!

James Bashkin