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20 The PCB Design Magazine • December 2015 ber 18, broke the attendance record for their home meeting location, topping out at 89 at- tendees. Chris Heard of CSH Consulting gave a rich and granular talk about signal integrity and power issues relative to routing guidelines and layout features. At these meetings, I wit- nessed designers being granted access to a very high level of educational and networking op- portunities that deeply enriched and inspired them to grow as professionals. In some cases, it has inspired them to even further their for- mal education or certifications that helps them compete in a fierce global marketplace. In a matter months, I had been transformed from skeptic to a raving fan! on Becoming the Accidental Chapter President After the last meeting, I had the opportuni- ty to talk at length with Scott about his 13-year tenure as the Orange County chapter president. It's clear that he is absolutely passionate about the value of the Designers Council and the im- mense educational value and resources it can deliver to the industry in a convenient, low cost and regional context. In our time together, he openly shared his "playbook" on how to build and run a successful Designer's Council chapter, which he is eager share with others who may be interested in launching a local chapter would like to emulate his success. The excitement and generosity he showed instantly compelled me to pass on both his story and his recipe for success. When Scott made his transition from PCB fabrication to a PCB layout focus, about 13 years ago, he accepted an invitation to attend our local IPC Designer's Council. Shortly after, he was recruited to serve on the group's steer- ing committee. At that time, 20–25 people were regularly attending the meetings. Within 3–4 months, the chapter's president made an un- foreseen move to Arizona and he asked Scott to take his place. Since that time more than 12 years ago, he has continually served as the chapter's presi- dent and has grown it into the nation's larg- est chapter. He is quick to give credit to the tremendous support he has had from Terri Kleekamp of Mentor Graphics, and Kathy Pa- lumbo of Production Analysis and Learning Services, who have faithfully supported the chapter since before he arrived. They have both been an invaluable help as chapter secre- tary and treasurer, respectively. Although this role came along unexpected- ly, Scott immediately rolled up his sleeves and went to work to raise awareness of the meetings to our local PCB design and electronics com- munity. He began by e-mailing invitations and making face-to-face appointments with design professionals and personally inviting people to attend and participate in the local events. The meetings were held at Mentor Graphics 4–5 times per year. In short, Scott built the local Or- ange County chapter by building relationships one at a time through some hard work and his signature dogged persistence. Meeting attendance doubled almost imme- diately, causing them to eventually outgrow the Mentor Graphics office and move to its current location. With the support of Terri and Kathy, attendance grew, in fits and starts, until it be- came what it is today. McCurdy's Playbook for Success For those of you who may have considered starting a local chapter, or who currently run a Designers Council chapter, here is some basic information from McCurdy's playbook, which he has been improving for nearly 13 years. First of all, IPC Designers Council member- ship is free, and you can register here. To find out more about starting a local chapter contact MCCURDY: HoW To BUILD A SUCCESSFUL IPC DESIGNERS CoUNCIL CHAPTER feature