Sometime in the next couple weeks will mark the beginning of the 30 day period where we accept nominations for the PASS Board of Directors, see www.sqlpass.org for the details. I thought I’d write just a little bit about what it’s like to be on the Board, what qualities I think I would look for in candidates, and call out a few names of people that I know well enough to believe they would be a great fit.

First, I’d say that 6 months into it I consider it a positive experience.  I think I’ve been able to make a difference in a few areas to help move PASS forward, and really that is the key – everyone making small but significant contributions. I see it as great experience for those looking to move into C level jobs or to run their own company with more than few employees. It’s at least 2 hours per week, and I think I’m averaging closer to 5 hours per week. We typically have three two day board meetings, most are held in Seattle, so remember to add travel time because you really need to be there the full 2 days. It has it’s frustrations, but none that have made me regret participating!

As far as qualities in nominees, things I’d suggest that lead to success are:

• Experience as a manager. Absolutely key, and as a manager that knows how to delegate.
• Willing to put in that average of 2-5 hours week, understanding that some weeks will be more and some less around your work schedule
• Willing to step in on day one and fully participate. You’ll have two years to learn the ropes and get something done, we don’t have time for you to sit on the bench and watch. This requires experience and maturity.
• Willing to compromise on just about everything. Passion is good, but we need someone pragmatic too. Do something today rather than something perfect next year.
• Great communication skills, especially written. Having a blog that you update often is a good way to grow and a positive when being considered as a nominee.

Now to the hard part. I’m a little reluctant to call people out because I’ll probably miss more than few that I should have listed, but I’m going to do it anyway. Here’s the list:

• Steve Jones of SQLServerCentral. My business partner and best friend so I’m biased – but he is the man! Great diversity of skills, great contacts, would be a superb person on the Board.
• Arnie Rowland. I’ve only known Arnie a short time, but he’s managed to impress me with a realistic outlook. If he has the time to spare he would be a great candidate.
• Tim Mitchell. I’ve known Tim for a while now, great SQL skills, confident, good ambition, and the thing I value – follow through. He’ll get it done.
• Plamen Ratchev. Another Florida guy, Plamen has owned a business and understands marketing, always out visiting groups and events, and also has great follow through.
• Brad McGehee. I’m sure you know him from Red Gate these days, but he started SQL Server Performance.com way back in the beginning. He’s built and sold a business, great speaker, dependable, and knows how things work on the web.

Write to those if you know them and agree, or give someone else you know and value a push. The first step is to build a good set of candidates and then we can have the interesting task of picking the best four come late October.