Above picture: Marvin holding a commemorative gift presented to him to mark his 25 years of service with AACE.
Editor Thought He Wanted to be an Architect, But Hated the Math
Name: Marvin Duane Gelhausen
Position: Managing Editor
When did you join AACE?
I have been with AACE for 25 years, starting on June 2, 1997. It is wonderful working with AACE, the executive director, coworkers, Board of Directors, and with members, especially our volunteer authors.
Why do you do what you do, professionally?
Editors generally edit wordy text down to concise, to the point text. Apparently, I missed this instruction during my education. From me, you tend to get detailed, lengthy, and wordy text. We all have individual styles. I believe mine helps maintain the author’s voice.
My original career interest was to become an architect, but math never came easy for me. With a mental block to math, I next considered psychology but did not care for it being so theory-based. My college advisor was the director of public relations. As I observed and learned of the work he was doing, I decided that it was a career option for me.
I received as associate degree from Ohio Valley College in Parkersburg, West Virginia. I continued my education at Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas, graduating in 1979 with a BA degree in mass communication/public relations. I returned to my hometown and went to work for the local newspaper. Starting as a reporter/photographer, I was promoted to news editor and then managing editor. I saw a job posting for an editor’s position at AACE and applied. The rest is history. After Kathy Deweese left for a position at WVU, I became managing editor.
What do you enjoy most about working at AACE?
I enjoy being part of an enthusiastic and dedicated AACE headquarters team. In many ways, we are like a family. All the staff works hard to meet our mission for excellent customer service to our AACE members.
I also enjoy the diversity that comes with AACE’s international membership. I assist members in a wide range of areas from how to submit content, to purchasing products, copyright, licensing issues, and more. Each day is a new opportunity to assist and help others, which is rewarding in and of itself.
Tell us about your interests, family, and/or a fun fact!
The claim to fame of my little hometown of Grafton, West Virginia, is that it is where Mother’s Day began. I am involved in my community as the chair of the International Mother’s Day Shrine Board, secretary/treasurer of the Taylor County Historical & Genealogical Society, a past president of the Grafton Rotary Club and Paul Harris Fellow. I am also a Sunday School teacher at my church. I tend to love any and all things historical.
Marvin Gelhausen is one of the best editors I know. I had worked with him for last 7 years for many posts and news, he showed a high professional work and mastery at work.
Wish Marvin all the best!!