Name: Andrew Maier

Major: Cybersecurity analytics and operations

Previous THON Experience:

THON 2022: Technology Captain: System Administrator
THON 2023: Technology Captain: Lead System Administrator

What made you want to apply for a director position for THON 2024?

My primary goal and motivation is to inspire an unwavering hope within the hearts of those within the THON Community, especially the families that we support. As a member of the executive committee, I knew that I could contribute even more toward this goal by leading THON to new heights and advancing our mission to conquer childhood cancer.

What are your responsibilities as a THON director?

As the technology director, I am responsible for ensuring that all of THON’s websites run smoothly and meet the needs of the THON community. Alongside the rest of the technology committee, I work to help other THON volunteers maximize their efforts by delivering new features that help them be more efficient, stay organized, collaborate, and spread THON’s mission

What do you want to implement in your position this year that’s different and differs from years past?

One of the things that I hope to implement is a system that provides additional visibility into assigned liaisons across committees so that organizations can be better supported in their efforts.

What makes your committee so cool, fun, and/or important?

The people of technology are incredible. Every volunteer on the technology committee wants to use their technical abilities to help families through their journey with childhood cancer. We also collaborate with the entire THON community in the work that we do and have a unique perspective on the role that each committee plays.

What are the overall goals you hope to reach with your committee for THON 2024?

One of my focuses for this year is to provide the rest of the THON community with more access and control over their data and to help modernize the processes that committees use to keep track of it. Technology can be a force multiplier for the THON community if it is leveraged effectively, and I believe that we are certainly taking steps to fulfill that vision.

Why do you THON?

As well-known author and activist Maya Angelou once said, “People may not remember the things that you’ve said or done, but they will remember how you made them feel”. This quote best summarizes why I take pride in being a THON volunteer. I THON to inspire hope throughout the THON community, especially the families that we support.

What’s your favorite THON memory?

During my first year as a captain, I had the joy of being on the floor of the BJC during Family Hour. It was an incredibly emotional experience, especially hearing the McKenzie Schneider family share their journey with childhood cancer.

Per Onward State tradition, if you could be any dinosaur, which one would you be and why?

I would be a triceratops. I think that their horns are so cool. They seem like pretty strong animals overall.