St. Paul, Minnesota, U.S.A.—Steven Nelson, executive vice president of Scientific Societies, the headquarters and administrative offices for the American Association of Cereal Chemists (AACC International), the American Phytopathological Society (APS), the American Society of Brewing Chemists (ASBC), the International Society of Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions (IS-MPMI), the Master Brewers Association of the Americas (MBAA) and the Controlled Release Society (CRS), will retire on April 1, 2013.
Nelson joined Scientific Societies in 1973 and held several key operational positions prior to his appointment as executive vice president. With his master’s degree in fine arts, Steve Nelson originally planned a career in art, joining APS in 1973 to work as an artist and keyliner within the Publications Department. He was promoted to the position of publications manager just two years later and would then go on to complete advanced studies in business management, holding several key operational positions at APS Headquarters before being named the society’s executive vice president in 1991.
Over the course of his career, he played a pivotal role in the society’s most preeminent events. He was the director of publications from 1979 to 1982, during which time he managed the startup of several signature publications, including the journals Plant Disease and MPMI. As publications director, he also developed and implemented the APS PRESS book marketing program, and later, as executive vice president, he would play an instrumental role in assisting APS leadership in the development of the Plant Management Network program.
Over the years, he has gained the respect and support of APS leaders, volunteers, and members alike. Past presidents of APS have stated that his strengths and skills in working with a variety of individuals and his ability to think strategically and to effectively guide APS leaders have been key to the success of the society. One past president stated that Nelson has a “masterful ability to work effectively with the many different people from the huge playlist of characters who have trooped across the stage over the decades, with an ever-changing range of personalities, egos, and competencies. Behind it all, the glue was Steve.”
Succeeding Nelson as executive vice president is Amy Hope, Scientific Societies’ vice president of operations. Hope joined Scientific Societies in 1986 and worked in sales until 1992 when she became a senior staff administrator. She was appointed vice president of operations in 2000. Hope will serve as executive vice president designate beginning January 1, 2013 and will officially succeed Nelson as executive vice president on April 1, 2013.
