2024 - 2025 ChABSA Council

President: Kerstin Haskell, MBA

Past President: Joany Jackman, PhD

President-Elect: Elizabeth Bramhall

Treasurer: Tracey Ann Brown

Secretary: Matthew Fischer, PhD

Webmaster: Bruce Donato

Three Year Councilors: Sharon Altman, PhD | David Harbourt, PhD | Jamie Pope

One Year Councilor: Ron McNeil

Call for ChABSA Council Officer Nominations – 2025-2026

ChABSA thrives because of the dedicated engagement of our members, and we invite you to become a leader in the biosafety community by joining the ChABSA Council! Our Council members play a vital role in shaping technical seminar programming, organizing meetings, planning the Annual Scientific Symposium, and engaging with biosafety professionals locally, nationally, and internationally.

Serving on the ChABSA Council is an excellent opportunity to develop leadership skills, expand your professional network, and contribute to the biosafety field. Many council members progress into new leadership roles within ChABSA and even pursue positions on the ABSA International Board.

We are now accepting nominations for the 2025-2026 ChABSA operating year for the following five Council positions:

• President-Elect (3-year term)
• Three-Year Councilor (3-year term)
• One-Year Councilor (1-year term)
• Secretary (2-year term)
• Webmaster (2-year term)

Why Join the ChABSA Council?

ChABSA Council members drive key initiatives that support the biosafety community. Council positions offer the chance to lead committees, plan major events, and influence the future of biosafety programs. Each position has different responsibilities, allowing members to gain valuable experience in nonprofit leadership, event planning, and professional development.

Eligibility & Nomination Process

• Nominees must be current ChABSA members in good standing (dues paid).

• There are no residency requirements, only an interest in biosafety, enthusiasm for leadership, and a commitment to serving for the designated term.

• While prior biosafety experience is beneficial for senior positions, it is not required to serve on the Council.

• Self-nominations are encouraged, and you may also nominate another qualified member with their consent.

• The nomination deadline is April 11, 2025 (COB).

Position Descriptions

President-Elect (3-Year Commitment)

• Year 1 (President-Elect): Chairs the Technical Seminar Committee, orders awards for the symposium, and assists the 3rd-Year Councilor.
• Year 2 (President): Provides oversight and outreach, leads Council meetings, and oversees committee activities.
• Year 3 (Past President): Coordinates sponsorship and vendors for the symposium, chairs the Nominations and Awards Committees, and supports ChABSA’s marketing efforts.

Three-Year Councilor (3-Year Commitment)

• Year 1: Chairs the Scientific Program Committee for the symposium and serves on the Scientific Symposium Committee.
• Year 2: Leads the Scientific Symposium Committee and mentors the 1st-Year Councilor.
• Year 3: Chairs the Pre-Symposium Course Committee and assists the 2nd-Year Councilor.

One-Year Councilor (1-Year Commitment)

• Voting member of the ChABSA Council.
• Assists other 3-Year Councilors and contributes to new and ongoing initiatives based on interest and expertise.

Secretary (2-Year Commitment)

• Voting member of the ChABSA Council.
• Records, edits, and distributes meeting minutes, maintains official ChABSA records, and prepares monthly payment reports.
• Manages annual reporting for the symposium and archives official Council documents.
• Supports ChABSA’s social media and communication efforts.

Webmaster (2-Year Commitment)

• Manages all website activity and updates.
• Develops and implements email communications for ChABSA members.

How to Get Involved

ChABSA relies on passionate and committed members to keep our organization thriving. If you are ready to take an active role in shaping the future of biosafety, we encourage you to run for a position or nominate a colleague who would make a strong leader.

Nominations are due by April 11, 2025 (COB), and elections will take place in the coming months. Winners will be announced at the Annual Scientific Symposium.