Foundation Elects Officers, Seeks Legal Status
At the inaugural meeting of the SCTE Foundation, the board elected officers and began the tedious work of requesting nonprofit status from the IRS and various state agencies. The organization, launched in June at Cable-Tec Expo, cannot begin accepting donations until all of the documentation is completed. New President Keith Hayes, vice president, HFC technical operations and engineering, Adelphia Communications, expects the process to take between 60 and 90 days. "We have to inform the IRS who we are and (assure them) we are aware of our legal obligations and fiduciary responsibilities under the government’s requirements for charitable organizations." He estimates that more than 30 states also require some type of authorization. At last week’s meeting, the board discussed its short- and long-term goals and talked on a high level about some of the projects it might initiate to meet the Foundation’s three-pronged mission to: "(1) assist in innovation and education within cable and telecommunications engineering; (2) help further research and information of cable and telecommunications technology; and (3) help maintain a history and awareness of cable and telecommunications evolution." Hayes wouldn’t provide any specifics other than to call it a "no-brainer" that the Foundation will make scholarships available. "It’s tough to say how we will spend our money until we have some. Our No. 1 mission is getting our legal and financial house in order." He anticipates that there will be both a personal and company charter-member fundraising activity. The board plans to establish a series of subcommittees, one of which will be tasked with raising money, but the Foundation probably also will look for outside help to get the ball rolling. Those interested in volunteering for one of the subcommittees are welcome to contact the Foundation now, even though there won’t be much to do until all of the logistics are out of the way. "You can bet your bottom dollar that once we do get the paperwork filed we will move as quickly as humanly possible to move forward," Hayes said. "All of us on the board know there has been interest (in a Foundation), but we are all humbled and excited about how much interest has come forward without us asking." John Clark, president of the SCTE, will serve as the Foundation’s vice president; Bob Macioch, director, engineering, Time Warner Cable Southwest Division, will be treasurer; and Mike Phebus, director, strategic accounts, NCTI, will be secretary. – Monta Monaco Hernon