Salutations!
Hi, I’m Steve Aust, your new NSNC Executive Director. Two months ago, I couldn’t have imagined I’d be introducing myself to you. But, I’ve known Bonnie since high school, and, as fellow writers, we’ve periodically kept in touch. She told me about NSNC and Suzette’s impending retirement, and I was intrigued by the opportunity to assume this role, though I understand what the organization is losing with Suzette’s departure. I’ve only recently met some of NSNC’s board members, and am a total stranger to everyone else save Bonnie and Suzette. So, let me tell you a bit about myself.
The only career I’ve ever imagined for myself was being a scribe. I wrote for my high-school paper and yearbook, and was fortunate enough to be accepted to Georgia and Syracuse, two top-tier journalism schools. The sizable difference in weather and tuition steered me south. My subscription to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution stirred my passion for my future career as much as my coursework. Specifically, the columnists: Calvin Trillin, Ellen Goodman, Carl Rowan and others on the opinion page, and Mark Bradley, Steve Hummer, and Terrence Moore in the sports section, provided perspectives that transcended the day’s headlines.
After a stint at a small-town newspaper and knocking around a series of service jobs, I found my stride at Signs of the Times, a trade magazine that’s served the sign industry since 1906. I never imagined myself learning about the differing properties of acrylic and polycarbonate, or studying spec sheets to discern LED displays’ viewing angles, but I enjoyed “geeking out” and learning the intricacies of that business. And, while absorbing them, I had the chance to cover some interesting subjects, such as the College Football Hall of Fame (like most SEC graduates, I’m a rabid college-football fan); wandering the streets of San Francisco looking for cool signs; and analyzing an industry-related Supreme Court case. And, I penned a few columns of my own along the way. After departing Signs, I spent three years in a marketing role for a national sign company. The money was better, but I ultimately couldn’t shake the realization that I am a writer. I’ve since embarked on a freelancing career, and am eager to also leverage my skills to support the NSNC’s mission and growth.
These are unprecedented times. A global pandemic, high unemployment, widespread anxiety, and economic malaise impact everyone. The NSNC hasn’t been spared; the loss of 2020’s national conference levied a significant financial hit. July 2019: nearly $15,000 in the bank; July 2020: just over $9,000. But, I already understand this organization’s strong sense of community. I also appreciate that columnists, bloggers, and other content creators are resilient, resourceful, and passionate. We need your creativity to help surmount this challenge. I look forward to your input and ingenuity in helping us grow and strengthen the NSNC.
I can’t be Suzette; in the brief time I’ve known her, I’ve come to understand that her warmth and dedication to the organization are unparalleled. I can only promise to be honest, to listen, and do my best for you.
I look forward to meeting you in the days ahead.
