As with any organization, we are only as strong as our member involvement. We have several standing committees and encourage our members to actively participate. From time to time, we have special committees which form to address short-term issues; these are announced at our meetings or by e-mail. A list of our standing committees follows:

COMMUNITY OUTREACH
The Community Outreach Committee is responsible for chapter visibility and give-back efforts within the Memphis community. The committee identifies and explores outreach opportunities, and coordinates chapter gift-giving and endowments. Community Outreach manages the Teen Tech Camp program sponsored by SIM and run by Memphis Library, the SIM endowed scholarship programs at the University of Memphis and LeMoyne-Owen College, and IT Career Day held annually at University of Memphis. The committee supports the mission of the Soulsville Foundation and Stax Music Academy, and has started several new programs including STEM initiatives at area high schools, and an expansion of Teen Tech Camp.

Dennis Norton, Chairperson

IT Career Day Sub-Committee
Kevin Morgan, Chair
Jana Branham
Judy Brown
Jana Markowitz
Judy Simon

Scholarships Sub-Committee

LeMoyne-Owen Scholarship
The James Robinson Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund
University of Memphis Scholarship
The Gary Lasko Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund

Joe Toman, Chair
Judy Brown 
Dennis Norton 

Stax/Soulsville Sub-Committee
Sue Conklin, Chair 
Susan Caldwell
Jay Echols
Dave Pekol
Mario Simmons 

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math) Initiatives
Jana Markowitz, Chair

Teen Tech Camp Sub-Committee 
Ed Charbonnet, Chair
HP Chatham
Diane Coons
Jay Echols
Jana Markowitz
Kevin Morgan 
John Oglesby
Rick San Roman
David Ulloa 

Teen Tech Camp Expansion Sub-Committee
Dennis Norton, Chair
Sue Conklin
John Oglesby
Rick San Roman

MARKETING
All marketing efforts including media releases, web content, and newsletter articles are carried out by this committee. This committee participates in cross-group activities with other technology and business leadership organizations such as the local Chamber of Commerce Technology Council and also communicates relevant chapter news to the SIM International organization.

Kevin Morgan, Chairperson
Dennis Norton, Photographer

MEMBERSHIP
The Membership Committee is responsible for attracting, engaging, and retaining members in accordance with the Chapter By-laws. This committee maintains the membership and target member database and email contact lists.

Jana Branham, Co-Chairperson
Susan Caldwell, Co-Chairperson
Stephen Schaefgen 

PROGRAM
This committee’s chief responsibility is to put on quality, informative programs on topics of interest to the members. The committee uses various methods, including online surveys, to identify key topics of interest and potential speakers. Meeting venues are recommended by the committee and approved by the board, with the committee managing all aspects of the chapter’s relationship with the venue. In addition to regular monthly meetings, the committee may also recommend and arrange special meetings such as meetings that are open to the public, half-day events, special forums, and fund raising events that might include golf or other entertainment. The committee is responsible for meeting and event promotion, communication, and facilitation.

John Oglesby, Chairperson
Lloyd Brooks
Rick Brown
Bob Johnson
Brent Nair
Mike Njimini
Dave Pekol
Mario Simmons
Dick Vandenberg

STRATEGY SERIES
Once a year, traditionally in lieu of the November meeting, we hold a technology strategy event for senior IT leaders and business executives. The event is sponsored by leading technology vendors; attendance is by invitation, and proceeds are used to help fund various projects, such as scholarships and other educational programs that enhance the awareness and understanding of IT and IT professionals.

Della Adams, Co-Chairperson
Jim Boyd, Co-Chairperson