As the headline indicates, I am stepping down from my position as editor of Ground Support Worldwide to pursue another professional opportunity. It is not easy to say goodbye to an industry that has been my focus for nearly four years — or to friends I have made along the way.
I remember first entering into the GSE world with little idea of what it was all about. The extent of my knowledge was what I saw on the ramp when I waited to board a flight. It seemed a bit of a daunting task — to learn the ins and outs of an unfamiliar industry. Perhaps the best advice I ever received was from George Prill, the individual who started it all with this magazine. He told me that my role was to “help the community communicate” and that I wasn’t meant to be an outside observer; I was a part of it.
So I set out to become part of the industry by visiting many operations across the continent. It never ceased to amaze me how helpful everyone was, taking the time to explain the business in depth and clarify any concepts I didn’t understand. I was also able to share in the enthusiasm for the industry.
And that’s how I’ve come to know the true importance of the term “community” and the publication’s role within it. A community is not simply a group of individuals that shares an interest. It’s much more than that — it's the sharing of a passion. They want to talk to each other, not only as business associates, but also as friends. And that’s what the publication has strived to be: a platform to improve the industry through the sharing of ideas, and also a place to share stories and lend recognition.
That has been the vision of the publication through my eyes as editor. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading it. I also hope that you will welcome the next editor as you’ve welcomed me.
I hope to stay in touch with many people I’ve met over the years. At the very least, I know I will watch the operations on the ramp when I’m at an airport waiting to board my flight and smile, thinking back fondly on the community of which I was so lucky to be a part.