NE PMC Director John Ayers works from The Pennsylvania State University.
Elizabeth Thomas, James VanKirk and Elizabeth Myers (from left) are part of the NE PMC staff located at Cornell University.
Staff
The Pennsylvania State University and Cornell University jointly administer NE PMC. The Center’s director, John Ayers, is responsible for project leadership, for coordinating the Advisory Council (AC) and the Steering Committee, and for managing the Information Network Competitive Grants Program. The Center’s coordinator, James VanKirk, works along with staff writer Elizabeth Myers and information specialist Elizabeth Thomas. Together this group is responsible for daily operations, including building and managing the website, producing and distributing publications, and facilitating communications through use of conference calls, electronic methods, and face-to-face meetings. NE PMC staff work to promote and facilitate collaboration among CWGs and information networks, optimizing synergy while minimizing duplication of effort.
Advisory Council
The Advisory Council (AC) provides broad vision and guidance to the Steering Committee and Center staff. Members represent a wide range of stakeholders and link the Center to stakeholder needs and priorities for pest management programs. Moreover, AC members are an important avenue for Center outreach, promoting awareness and marketing the benefits of the Center to their own constituencies and beyond. AC members have the opportunity to communicate with and learn from each other. The group meets annually to discuss the Center’s organization, activities, and service to stakeholders. In addition to this face-to-face contact, the group shares information and pest management news via an online newsletter and a list server.
Steering Committee
Eleven of the AC members serve as the Center’s Steering Committee, the organization’s policy-setting body. This group reviews the progress of Information Network (IN) projects and gives specific direction to IN leaders if necessary. It also manages funding used by the CWGs for items such as surveys, directories, fact sheets or other similar products. Members give feedback on newsletter tone, audience and content. SC meetings and conference calls result in specific action steps for NE PMC staff and members.