Passing the Torch: HPC’s Flame Burns Brighter with Each Chair

Each year, SC brings together thousands of professionals pushing the boundaries of high performance computing. Behind the scenes, the General Chair sets the event’s direction and, along with a large team of volunteers, shapes its success.

As nominations open for future SC leadership, we turn to reflections from past and near-term General Chairs. Their insights reveal why they said yes, what they learned, and what future leaders might expect.

For many, the call to lead came as a surprise — but was welcomed with purpose. Whether driven by a desire to make an impact or encouraged by a mentor, each Chair felt personally invested in the conference’s future.

I wanted to give back to the conference for all the great experiences it has given me over the last 20 years.

— Kevin Hayden, SC26

The opportunity to become Chair was offered to me at the point where I realized I could achieve a personal goal to lower barriers of access and increase education in supercomputing. It felt right. So, I took a leap and accepted.

— Roscoe Giles, SC02

Leading volunteers is different from leading work teams. This challenge was an opportunity for me, as Chair, to understand the true meaning of outreach.

— Dorian Arnold, SC23

From infrastructure hurdles to global challenges, SC Chairs often faced defining moments.

In order to get our high-speed network to the Reno convention center, we had to run it across a four-lane highway.

— Becky Verastegui, SC07

Perhaps the most challenging part of SC20 was building the plane as we flew it. It was a herculean task for the committee to pull off a completely virtual conference in less than eight months, and ‘tremendously proud’ grossly understates how I feel about the committee and how they stepped up to the task.

— Christine Cuicchi, SC20

The balance that SC provides is between the technical and social aspects, and how we align the needs of the conference to the needs of our people.

— Kathryn Mohror, SC27

Some Chairs launched enduring initiatives. Others built new ways for the community to connect and grow.

I am most proud or fond of getting us back to an in-person meeting post-COVID and reassuring the community that we could hold large conferences safely.

— Bronis de Supinski, SC21

We introduced the Digital Experience — creating a firm foundation on which SC could plan future hybrid conferences.

— Candace Culhane, SC22

Start Early

Gain Experience Across Committees

Know Your “Why”

Lead for Purpose, Not Prestige

Be Ready to Leap

You’ll Never Feel Fully Prepared

Build the Right Team

And Trust Them to Lead

Recognize Others

Gratitude Fuels the Work

Balance Tech & Heart

Both Matter Deeply

Build What Lasts

Leave Something Behind

Every SC Chair starts as a volunteer. Every SC Chair helps shape the future of high performance computing. Whether you’re considering nominating yourself or someone else, these reflections make one thing clear: this role is challenging, rewarding, and entirely worth it.

Learn more about SC leadership and make a nomination!