2026 Board of Directors Call for Nominations

Lead our community and serve on the Genetics Society of America Board of Directors

The Board of Directors guides the Society, working in partnership with GSA staff, conference organizers, and committees. As representatives of the genetics community, Board members bring diverse perspectives and a deep commitment to advancing GSA’s mission. Now more than ever, we need responsive, highly-engaged Board members to help the Society meet today’s challenges and identify new opportunities to support our community.

This dedicated group of volunteers works within the existing framework of GSA to help set the strategic direction for the Society and provide oversight for its programs and initiatives. They use their expertise to enhance, adapt, and grow GSA’s offerings in response to the evolving needs of our community.

Board members also help shape the future of the field by guiding GSA’s efforts in areas such as policy and advocacy, education, mentorship, scholarly publishing, professional development, public engagement, and other critical issues affecting scientists.

Nominations are due Monday, July 13, at 7:59 p.m. EDT

Submit a Nomination

Nomination Review Process

Nominations will be reviewed by the GSA Nominating Committee, which will create the final ballot in accordance with the GSA bylaws. The committee is tasked with constructing a slate of well-qualified candidates from a range of career stages, scientific interests, backgrounds, and lived experiences. The committee takes into account demonstrated service to the genetics and genomics community, scientific expertise, field of study, leadership skills, and existing Board composition.

Who should I nominate?

GSA members are eligible to submit nominations, and we welcome self-nominations. Nominees must be GSA members in good standing. We encourage the nomination or self-nomination of scientists from backgrounds historically excluded from science, those working outside of the U.S., and representatives extending beyond academia.

We seek nominees who contribute to a vibrant, cohesive, strategic, and forward-thinking Board culture, including those who:

• Appreciate and support GSA’s mission, vision, programs, and needs
• Demonstrate an understanding of the current trends and challenges in genetics and genomics as well as issues affecting the broader scientific enterprise, including workforce development, funding, and the success of early career scientists
• Have demonstrated leadership experience through service to institutions, model organism community groups, professional societies, editorial roles, or related organizations
• Think strategically and are willing to foster a strong culture of volunteer leadership and service, balancing new opportunities with organizational capacity, financial stewardship, and long-term sustainability
• Support GSA’s commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive genetics community 
• Have contributed to GSA through participation in committees, task forces, as conference organizers, or as members of the GENETICS or G3: Genes|Genomes|Genetics editorial boards
• Have experience working in teams, with an eye toward productive discussions, consensus building, and constructive feedback
• Demonstrate creativity in solutions to challenges experienced by scientists and scholarly societies
• Communicate effectively with a range of audiences and advocate for the value and impact of scientific research

Questions? Email society@genetics-gsa.org.