A Fond Farewell to Jen Lynch
Compiled by Tamar Schlekat
It is with huge fondness, and a sense of sadness on the side of SETAC staff left behind, that we wish Jen Lynch, SETAC Publications and Science Dissemination Officer, good luck in the next chapter of her career. Jen has been a SETAC team member since 2011, and before then, she closely worked with SETAC when she managed our account with our then journal publisher Wiley.
In her resignation letter Jen noted, “It is with mixed emotions that I send this letter of resignation. I have had a rewarding thirteen years with SETAC and found a wonderful group of supportive and treasured colleagues and friends. While I have a deep tenderness for the organization and the people here, I am and have been ready to explore new opportunities.”
Jen’s tenure at SETAC has made her indispensable. Jen came to SETAC from the commercial publishing field to manage SETACs’ journals Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (ET&C) and Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management (IEAM). Erin Nelson, who will be taking her role as manager of our Publications Program, has this to say, “I feel incredibly fortunate to have worked with and learned from Jen over the past 13 years. She has guided us through countless challenges and changes in the publishing world, leaving us with a deeper knowledge and understanding of how to succeed moving forward. She is an absolutely wonderful person, and we are going to miss her.”
Helen Callow, Editor at ET&C, who has also worked alongside Jen for many years, said, “Jen is one of the most inspirational people that I have ever met. The first time I met Jen she was running the North America conference, at the same time on call for a rape crisis line. I will miss the laughs, the support and the ingenuity.”
Donna Frankel, Editor at IEAM, said, “Jen is a superstar. I’ve learned so much from her over the past few years. I’ll especially miss her guidance, support and sense of fun! She is truly one of a kind.”
Sabine Apitz, IEAM Editor in Chief, and SETAC Books Editor for many years, is having trouble imagining working in SETAC publications without Jen’s professional and no-nonsense presence. “I feel conflicted – I'm delighted for Jen and her new adventures but very sad for myself and SETAC, losing what seems an intrinsic part of our work lives. Jen has helped me grow into my roles and, seemingly, has always been there, supporting (and guiding) us as we adapted to the ever-changing world of publications. I’m grateful for all she has done and will miss her terribly.”
Tamara Galloway, ET&C Editor in Chief, spoke fondly of Jen at a recent meeting, “Although I have not known Jen for very long, I appreciate her invaluable support in my transition to the Editor in Chief position at ET&C.”
While Jen was mostly known to our members as Publications Director, that’s not all she did. She wore many hats at SETAC. She has been author of press releases, editor of most publications and communications, author of our wittiest social media posts, and co-editor of the SETAC Globe.
Sabine Barrett, Digital Technology and Communications Officer and co-editor of the Globe, was overcome at the announcement as those two had a great working relationship, and while we had all known that Jen was planning a change in career and were supporting her as much as we could with her plans, Sabine said, “I am still hoping you'll change your mind! We are going to miss you a lot. It won't be the same without you here.”
Dusty Kennedy, Communications and Marketing Associate, who worked closely with Jen had this to say to her, “You are one of the most fearless, outspoken, intelligent and witty people I've ever had the pleasure to meet. I wish you nothing but the best in your future endeavors. You deserve it! “
On top of publications and science dissemination, Jen also managed SETAC’s Global Awards Program the last few years. Over the years, Jen has been a fixture throughout SETAC and at SETAC World Council meetings, providing insight and perspective. What might not be known to our members is how often SETAC relied on Jen’s social competency, diplomacy skills, and her personal strong commitment to social justice and her integrity and wisdom to handle many delicate situations.
Anyone who worked with Jen can attest that in addition to being very competent at what she does, she is great fun, too. Her skills and charm served us well at SETAC and will serve her well in the next chapter of her career.
Eric Van Genderen, Immediate Past President of the SETAC World Council, said, “A career should represent a passion for people and practice, along with fostering a culture of inclusion and social awareness. Jen selflessly demonstrated these principles during her tenure at SETAC, and we are a stronger organization due to her leadership. She will be deeply missed, and it’s been an honor to share the last 13 years.”
Bart Bosveld, Global Executive Director, wrote to Jen, “It has been a real pleasure to work with you and I can't thank you enough for the work you have done for SETAC and the knowledge, insights, productivity, efficiency, enthusiasm, and friendship you shared with us in the past many years. SETAC will miss you and I will miss you. I wish you all the best for the future and hope and trust that you will find a challenging and rewarding position as the next step on your path to a new professional career”.
Tamar Schlekat, Global Scientific Affairs Director, said, “I’ll sorely miss you at SETAC though I am certain we’ll remain in touch. I am very happy for you for your new chapter. I hope you’ll find joy and fulfillment in your new career.”
As we say goodbye to Jen, we want to express our deepest gratitude for the dedication and passion she brought to every project. We know Jen will continue to make an impact wherever she goes. Best of luck, Jen—you will always be part of our team!
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