Associate Professor John Shortle of the Systems Engineering & Operations Research Department has been elected as the next President of the Institute for Operations Research and Management Science (INFORMS) Simulation Society, the primary society for the simulation area. I-Sim takes a leading role in promoting simulation as well as advancing its theory and practice. Simulation is one of the most important methods used in operations research. 
A member of INFORMS since 1997, Shortle has been active in the area of simulation since 2001. He served on the I-Sim council between 2009 and 2011 and was the I-Sim treasurer from 2012-2014¬. He has also served in various roles supporting the Winter Simulation Conference, a conference that is co-sponsored by I-Sim. Most notably, he served as the proceedings co-editor for the conference in 2007.
The commitment for the president is 6 years, beginning July 1, 2014. Shortle will serve successive two-year terms as president-elect, president, and past president. The responsibilities are distinct during these three phases. The rolling format helps to provide continuity in the society as the officers transition every two years.
"As president I would like to continue the strong trajectory of the society, including growing the membership and continuing its position as a leader in advancing the theory and practice of simulation," said Shortle. "I would also like to increase connections with other disciplines, and to strengthen ties between academic and industrial members."
