Years ago, when I joined JPCL as the editorial assistant, I told myself that I would stay in publishing for two years and then go back to graduate school.
Many multiples of two years later and now editor in chief of JPCL, I am leaving publishing and going back to graduate school to begin another of the five or so career changes that Americans average. (This one will be only my third.)
I leave JPCL and its parent company, Technology Publishing, at the end of this year. Anita Socci will succeed me on Jan. 1, 2014.
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Photos: Technology Publishing Co. |
Karen Kapsanis has led JPCL as editor in chief since April 1991.
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Many of you know Anita. She has been the managing editor of JPCL since 2011, its manager of directories since 2008, and my trusted senior staffer for well over a decade. JPCL will thrive under her care.
Anita will have the same benefit I have had of working daily in the trenches with our remarkable Team JPCL: Brian Goldie, our intrepid technical editor; Charlie Lange, our tireless assistant editor (and soon to be managing editor); Marian Welsh, our dedicated publisher; her talented staff of Bernadette Landon, Lauren Skrainy, and Bill Dey; and our very own crew of miracle workers—Milissa Bogats, production director; Peter Salvati, art director; Daniel Yauger, associate art director; Mikaela Longo, production assistant; and Jo Ann Binz, circulation manager.
I have worked with some of these people for nearly two decades (or more), and I am grateful beyond measure to everyone on the team.
I leave with great respect for all of you who do the very hard work of maintaining our infrastructure under what are often trying circumstances. From all of you, I have learned a great deal about the complexity and importance of corrosion protection with coatings.
I’d like to thank all of you who have read, written for, and supported JPCL during my tenure. I owe you an enormous debt for your generosity in sharing not only your industry expertise but also, in many cases, your friendship.
Although I am excited about my coming adventures, I leave with sadness and a five-gallon bucket of good memories. I have met many wonderful people in the industry, at SSPC headquarters, and at Technology Publishing.
I have had the help of the capable and caring people at SSPC, including but certainly not only Executive Director Bill Shoup.
It has been an honor to work for the guy who keeps us all on our toes, Technology Publishing’s current President and CEO, Peter Mitchel (one “l” at the end of his name, really).
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JPCL founder Harold Hower is Chairman of the Board of Technology Publishing Co. Marian Welsh is JPCL publisher.
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And I close with a shout-out to Harold Hower, founder of JPCL and Technology Publishing Company.
Harold, you took a chance many years ago, hiring me when I was just a novice in publishing, and you gave me more opportunities than I can count.
Thank you.
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ABOUT THE THE BLOGGER |
Karen Kapsanis |
Karen Kapsanis was the Editor in Chief of the Journal of Protective Coatings & Linings when these blogs were written. Post-JPCL, Karen remains an inexplicably lifelong fan of the Green Bay Packers and a surprisingly speedy sprinter. |
SEE ALL CONTENT FROM THIS CONTRIBUTOR
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Tagged categories:
JPCL;
JPCL Europe;
Personnel;
Program/Project Management
Comment from Gerald Burbank, (12/23/2013, 8:21 AM)
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Hey Karen. I met you briefly over twenty years ago early in my career when I was making my first presentation on the Cheasapeake Bay Bridge and tunnel project. Although you may not remember me, you always impressed me as a thoughtful and gracious professional. The SSPC has been lucky to have you. Good luck in your future endeavors.
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Comment from Alison Kaelin, (12/23/2013, 9:48 AM)
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Blessing my friend. You will be truly missed by me and the industry at large.
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Comment from Ken Tator, (12/23/2013, 11:19 AM)
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Karen,
Best wishes for your long standing goal to "Save the World". I know you'll do as well at that as you did in saving JPCL during the early periods of hard times. You'll be missed by a lot of people.
Best regards to you in graduate school, and the rest of your life endeavors!
Ken
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Comment from Burt Olhiser, (12/23/2013, 11:25 AM)
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Karen your talents and efforts have made JPCL the marquis publication in the coatings world, and you will be missed. All the best in your new endeavors.
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Comment from Emma Kapp, (12/23/2013, 12:24 PM)
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Karen, it was an honor and a pleasure working with you. I wish you the very best!
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Comment from Simon Hope, (12/24/2013, 3:57 AM)
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Karen, it is always a shame when someone who has worked tirelessly decides to leave, it will leave a large hole that will take a long time to fill!! Hopefully you will be moving to exciting times and a chance to fulfil dreams and aspirations! I hope that you will be coming back as a guest blogger to keep us all abreast of how your future pans out!! Wishing you the best of luck and good fortune for the future.
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Comment from Robert Ikenberry, (12/30/2013, 2:06 PM)
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Karen: It has always been an informative and enjoyable experience interacting with you. The industry has gained greatly from your leadership at JPCL and I have gained personally from your patience, knowledge and willingness to give me a forum for my thoughts. While we will all miss your steady hand at the helm, I am sure that many new people will benefit from your new endeavors as well! Best of luck and best wishes.
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Comment from Warren Brand, (1/2/2014, 10:12 AM)
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Karen, you'll be missed.
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Comment from Stephen Mellon, (1/2/2014, 10:44 AM)
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All the best to you Karen.
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