about : president's letter

by Randy Fox
September 22, 2006

Recently, old friend and industry leader, Scott Fithian, passed away. That he was too young is without question. That our profession has lost a guiding light and creative force is also without question. Whether or not someone else comes along with the strength of vision that Scott displayed and the courage to carry out that vision in spite of a profession that is often mired in old paradigms is still unknown. What we do know and what we can be grateful for, is what Scott accomplished in his too brief life. Most of us think differently about our profession because of Scott. Whether or not we were members of his organization, his thinking affected us all. He is one who dared to be different and succeeded in making a difference.

At our conference last April, we presented the first annual AiP leadership award to Scott. Following Scott’s death the AiP board has voted unanimously to rename the award “the AiP Scott Fithian Leadership Award.” That his name be linked to this award seems most fitting and appropriate. That we continue to acknowledge leadership and encourage those who change, create and guide our profession to its highest standards seems only fitting. To do so and continue to honor Scott adds an element of depth and meaning that will elevate every future recipient.