September, 2007
by Denise P. Kalm
Denise Kalm has 30 years experience in IT including application programming, enterprise systems management and performance management/capacity planning at Pacific Telephone and Bank of America. She moved to vendor land in 2000, spending 5 ½ years with BMC on the EPA product line, then recently became the senior product marketing manager for enterprise job scheduling products at CA, Inc., formerly Cybermation. She is a regional officer of CMG, has held many volunteer positions within that organization and is a frequent contributing author. Prior to entering the IT profession, she was a biochemical geneticist. Her hobbies include flying, Jazzercise, writing and scuba diving. Her book, Lifestorm, on the Oakland Hills fire, is available on Amazon. She is an executive and personal coach as well, offering phone and in-person coaching.
About the Author
Denise P. Kalm, CA, Inc. formerly Cybermation
1. What drew you to CMG in the first place?
My managers attended CMG conferences starting in the 1980's, and supported use of CMG technical material. I became involved with the Mid-Atlantic regional CMG in the late 80's and found the papers and face-to-face discussions of much benefit. I finally had a chance to attend my first national conference in 1992, and I was hooked on the tremendous amount of knowledge and focus on capacity management material, exhibitors, and expertise, all in one place!
2. What keeps you there?
I knew when I first got involved with the field of computer performance in 1986 that this was the focus I had been looking for in the IT arena. CMG offers a concentration of information and energy in that field that I have not found anywhere else. And some CMG friendships go back many years, which is a very nice bonus!
3. What inspired you to seek national office?
I have worked on the conference committee since 1999, including Program Chair twice, so it seemed a logical next step to see what I could offer as a director.
4. If someone didn't know you well, what would be the 3 things you would want them to know, prior to voting?
One, I have enjoyed participating as a volunteer for the past 15 years in CMG national conference committees, regional activities, and as a non-voting invited guest on the national board; I have been around for awhile and have the dedication necessary to look out for the best interests of the organization. Second, I work well with others and believe a team approach is necessary for optimal organization effectiveness. Three, I would look for ways to make improvements to CMG but try to balance the risks associated with changing too many things at once versus staying static: Moderation is key.
5. If you could make one change to the organization or the conference, what would it be?
I would increase the amount of funding in the budget for use of a professional marketing firm to target potential conference attendees and members. In 2007, such a firm was hired, and expansion of that capability will need to occur for long-term marketing success regarding getting the word out about CMG conferences and membership benefits.
6. What is working well now?
The fact that CMG is almost entirely a volunteer organization is a strength that spreads tasks around to people from all manner of organizations, backgrounds, and companies. This concept also invites fresh ideas due to ever-changing personnel.
7. What isn't?
Retention of first-time national conference attendees needs to be improved. Certainly, training budget limitations and other factors outside CMG's control will keep some percentage of attendees from returning, but this is an area that needs to be addressed if CMG wants to increase its membership by retaining a higher percentage of members from previous years.
8. What are the 3 adjectives you would use to describe yourself?