Tales From the Chiefs
How Times Have Changed

by Elizabeth Smith

If you ask Ruth Salzmann, CAS president from 1978-79, the life of a CAS president has improved greatly in the more than 20 years since her presidency. Salzmann has seen the CAS undergo numerous changes, among them a nearly tripled membership and the establishment of a national office. "Things have improved and I think it's wonderful!" says Salzmann.

Before there was a CAS Office, dedicated CAS members volunteered to run the Society. Salzmann knew that the presidency would entail a lot of work but didn't realize all with which the president was involved. According to Salzmann, being president was a highly administrative post with very little time devoted to promoting an agenda or being a leader—there definitely was not enough time to be a figurehead. "I was too busy keeping things going," she laughs. The bulk of the work was done by the three executive officers: the president, immediate past president, and the president-elect. These officers, who usually met monthly, were responsible for all the meetings, including several board meetings throughout the year, and the Annual and Spring Meetings. Salzmann says that the board and executive officers looked to the CAS Long Range Planning Committee for leadership and plans for progress.

While she thoroughly enjoyed her time as president, she wishes she could have done more. "Being president was a great honor," says Salzmann. "I believe everyone who has been chosen respects and appreciates the office."