Lockheed Martin Communicator Captures
Third Annual Jaffe Award
Dan Voss, a communications manager at Lockheed Martin, was recognized for sustained contributions to the company's business base
Dan Voss, Communications Manager for Tactical Missiles at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control – Orlando, is the third Central Florida recipient of a Gloria Jaffe Outstanding Technical Communicator Award. These awards, presented annually by the Orlando Chapter of the Society for Technical Communication (STC), recognize achievement by technical communicators and recognize the Central Florida businesses that significantly benefit through their employment. With a prior win in 2003, Lockheed Martin has twice been recognized by the Orlando Chapter for the professional involvement of its technical communication professionals.
The Jaffe Award is named for Orlando Chapter founder and retired University of Central Florida (UCF) Technical Communication professor Gloria Jaffe. Her leadership is reflected in the enduring communication values prized by the Orlando Chapter and in the professionalism of UCF graduates who had the opportunity to study with her.
Voss was selected for the honor because of his consistent ability to add value to new business communications at Lockheed Martin and his impact on a spectrum of information products. His leadership role on numerous systems proposals helped the company win close to $20 billion in new business, and his timely contributions to team efforts involving news releases, advertising campaigns, customer briefings, video productions, and communication strategy have consistently informed customers of the value and effectiveness of Lockheed Martin products. The selection committee noted his role in promoting professional development within his department and his contributions to the profession as a whole. He co-authored Ethics in Technical Communication: Shades of Gray with Lori Allen (Wiley, 1997) and has published numerous articles in professional journals and other publications.
The Orlando Chapter also recognized two finalists for their achievements. Michael Smith, a senior technical writer with TAD PGS, Inc., in Oviedo was recognized for continuous improvement of a product that reduced the learning curve for new hires.
Dr. Lori Brodkin, a visiting Assistant Professor in Technical Communication at UCF, was recognized for consistently high ratings from her graduate students and development of several online courses that met demanding deadlines.
The award presentation was a highlight in a joint meeting between the Orlando Chapter and faculty members and students of the UCF Department of English. Professor Jaffe presented the awards in person. Many are graduates of the UCF Technical Writing program she founded.
Dr. Gail Lippincott, Jaffe Contest Manager, said, "It is extremely satisfying to acknowledge the technical contributions of these leading communicators in front of both the Society for Technical Communication and the University of Central Florida. They represent Mrs. Jaffe’s vision for the technical writing program she developed, and they set the standard that these students and our members strive for in businesses throughout Central Florida."
The Society for Technical Communication is the world's largest professional organization in its field with over 18,000 members in 147 chapters worldwide. STC members work as technical writers, editors, illustrators, managers, educators, translators, and other communicators who make technical information understandable and available to those who need it. Information about STC can be found at its website at www.stc.org.