Ann Schwartz, who has dedicated 11 years to the Computing Research Association (CRA) and the Computing Community Consortium (CCC)–most recently as the Director of Research Community Initiatives–is now embarking on an exciting new opportunity with The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy

In her new role, Dr. Schwartz will act as the inaugural Program Manager for the Pilot Office of the National Strategic Computing Reserve (NSCR). As described in the blueprint report of the National Science and Technology Council, the NSCR is envisioned as a coalition of resource providers that can be called up in times of urgent national needs to provide critical cyberinfrastructure capabilities and services to address emergencies, from pandemics to earthquakes to other natural or man-made disasters. 

As Program Manager, Dr. Schwartz will be responsible for the development and implementation of a plan that encompasses the structures, policies, and processes for the NSCR Program Office.

“Ann is a rockstar in our community, there’s no doubt about it,” said Tracy Camp, Executive Director and CEO of CRA. “Her combination of expertise, management skill, and drive enable her to make big things happen, and that’s exactly why she’s been selected for this amazing opportunity with The White House. I couldn’t be more excited for her.” 

Distinguished Tenure with the CCC

In her time with the CCC, Dr. Schwartz led countless initiatives and forged lifelong connections with the computing research community. 

“As I step back and think about Ann’s time with the CCC, I’m struck by the breadth and depth of her influence in the community,” said Dan Lopresti, professor of computer science and engineering at Lehigh University, CRA board member, and CCC chair. “Ann has a knack for bringing people together and getting things done, and over so many years of dedicated service, it amounts to a tremendous impact.” 

Some of the many accomplishments that took place under her direction were the development of the AI Roadmap, publishing Quadrennial Papers intended to highlight key research areas and needs for the new administration, and launching the CIFellows program which provided new PhD graduates with job opportunities during the academic hiring freeze caused by COVID-19. 

“As a community, we’re all in Ann’s debt for what she’s helped bring about through the CCC,” said Nadya Bliss, executive director of the Global Security Initiative at Arizona State University and CCC vice chair. “The Consortium is in a great position to continue its impactful work thanks to the foundation she’s laid.” 

Dr. Schwartz will be sorely missed at CRA. Despite her colleagues’ sadness at seeing her go, we are so excited for her next steps and know that she will continue to have an amazing impact as an integral part of the computing research community. 

Liz Bradley to Serve as Interim Director

Former council member and chair Liz Bradley will serve as the Interim Director of the CCC. A member of the Department of Computer Science at the University of Colorado since 1993, Dr. Bradley is the CCC Chair Emerita and has been engaged with CCC for many years.

CRA will be seeking a new full-time Director of Research Community Initiatives in the coming weeks. The opportunity will be posted to cra.org/careers and shared widely throughout the community.