Dateline: NSPE Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL.

Today was election for NSPE and I was a candidate for Vice President. I did not win. I would love to have won the election, if I didn’t want to win then why run, but I am not hurt, upset, angry, or irritated in the result and here is why.

First, Dan Wittliff, the other candidate for the position, is a great person and will be a great leader for NSPE. We may differ on a few issues but they are not major and he will serve NSPE well. Dan was not an opponent in the traditional sense, we were both merely running for the same office, so in no way do I feel beaten. In reality, we both were running for the position and did not know of each other until well into the process. This is a result of the way NSPE handles this contest.

Second, I was asked to run by others, specifically the Mississippi Engineering Society and I consider that to be a great honor. Because I did not wake up one morning and decide my life would be incomplete without this position I think it is a little easier to not win.

Third, I did not lose. I still get to be involved in NSPE and I get a life for at least another year.

Fourth, the encouragement I have received from the officers and delegates of NSPE to run next year has been amazing. I also had several people whom I respect greatly share how they voted with me and I appreciate their support.

Fifth, everyone, and I mean everyone, I spoke with mentioned how tough the choice was. I’d much rather lose a close contest than win one by a landslide. I did not get the final vote count but I believe it was close (at least that’s the story I’m sticking with!)

Sixth, we seldom get what we want all the time. If you cannot handle the occasional loss, then you do not have the skills, backbone, and thick skin to be a leader.

Seventh, there is still work to do and there is always next year.

Eight, I received a lot of input, advice, and help from many friends as I prepared for this. I appreciate that help and support and it says much about the quality people I work with and call friends.

I wish Dan the best and have already told him I’m here to help.