IGDA Elections!

So, last year this was one of the places where the Langdell mess erupted big time, with the parties in the dispute having a back and forth in the comments section.

I do believe that the organization, and membership in it are worthy of your time and effort.  Last year's thoughts on that here.

Rather than repeat myself, I'd like to endorse a slate of five for this year's International Game Developers Association board elections.  When I saw these five listed, I didn't even need to read the bios of the others. 

I'm not endorsing them just because I know them, I'm endorsing them because I know them as active, dedicated IGDA members who have been active (in a positive way) in IGDA at the SIG level for years, providing leadership, acting responsibly and being exceptional ambassadors for our industry.  I'm listing them here in ABC order so you can find them easily on the ballot :-)

Wendy Despain has several years of running the Writers SIG under her belt and is a consummate professional. We both joined became active at the same time and have been on the executive board of the SIG in years past. Her professional writing and editing skills will be a boon to the IGDA board in many ways.

Michelle Hinn has been relentlessly successful in leading industry efforts in accessibility and diversity in games.  She has led the SIG for years and has had numerous success.  I have not worked directly with the accessibility SIG my colleague Kevin Bierre has.  I've attended events given by the accessibility SIG and found them to be of the first order.

Darius Kazemi has been campaigning for a year to join the board, so he has been speaking for himself quite well.  I've worked with Darius on the education SIG.  He's done a great job running one of the more active local SIGs in Boston and his technical skill set will be a bonus to the board as well.

Ian Schreiber has been active in the Education SIG and been one of the 3 main organizers of the incredibly successful Global Game Jam.  His game design book, written with Brenda Brathwaite, is one of my top 5 texts in the area.

Coray Siefert is looking for a second term on the board.  He has been exceptional in this role, and in his previous efforts in local SIGs and the Writers SIG, where I was pleased to work with him on several projects.

All of these folks have experience in the industry and a passion not only for their game industry work but their work with the IGDA.  I urge you to vote for them