Linda Oestreich: Why Passion and Service Are Her Favorite Key Words
- by Karen Field

Linda Oestreich is a busy woman. An experienced writer, editor, trainer, presenter, and project manager, Oestreich manages the Technical Publications group for the Service Management product at Peregrine Systems (now Hewlett-Packard) in San Diego. At the STC Annual Conference this past May, she became the 1st Vice President of the Society for Technical Communication for 2006-2007. Between her job and her STC work, Oestreich seemingly manages two careers. And she’s passionate about both, which, she says, grew from her desire to serve others. In fact, words like “passion” and “service” form the golden theme that ties her roles together.

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My Year as President

To begin, let me tell you that I love STC.  It has been my personal professional development tool for many years, and it has always given to me more than I have given to it. As I approach the May 2007 Technical Communication Summit, it seems that my excitement and gratitude (and anxiety!) grows exponentially each day. Just like you, I have many ideas and desires for STC, yet I know that one person can make only a minute difference. The Society is guided by a board of directors. You have elected 14 officers and directors. Did you know that in my year as president, I only vote when there’s a tie?

Despite that, the president does influence the agenda and, to some extent, guides the discussions. We work as a group. We discuss issues and listen to others who know more than we do. On some things, we move quickly; on others, especially things with strong opposing views, we move slowly. Sometimes, we discuss something for hours, then choose not to move on it at all. Other ideas show up with such positive “rightness” that we all agree and put them into action immediately.

So, what do I foresee for STC during “my” year as president? More pride for what we do. More global advances for our profession. More attention to strategy. More cohesiveness among all factions of the Society. More attention to member value. And, more strength in communities so they can support you in the ways you need.

The year I serve as president will build on the great things that my colleagues and presidential predecessors have put into place. I plan to support the good stuff and help change or stop anything counterproductive to our strategic objectives. So, as you vote YES or NO next to my name, remember that I need your help. I am in this to do the job of STC president with as much heart, mind, and soul as possible. I am proud to be in line to the STC presidency.  I am also proud to be a technical communicator. I believe in us. Together, we are putting technical communication on the global map.

Linda L. Oestreich
STC First VP (2006-2007)
STC Fellow
1vp@stc.org