As a member of the NSGC Board of Directors, I had the privilege to serve on the 2020 Nominating Committee with the immediate Past President (Chair), President, another Board member, and four NSGC members selected by the Membership Committee.
Previously, NSGC elections were contested, leading to hard feelings and, at times, devolving into a personality contest. NSGC grew, and in 2008, the Nominating Committee was charged to develop a slate of officers for the membership to approve. Most professional organizations use this process because it results in a more balanced leadership team with less reliance on popularity.
The Nominating Committee used a detailed process to provide this year’s well-rounded slate to the membership. It was thoughtful, thorough, and focused on individuals who have a vision for NSGC that promotes our strategic plan of diversity, equity, inclusion, and providing the expertise that best reflects the membership.
Participating in this year’s Nominating Committee was an extraordinary experience. Witnessing the growth of NSGC, the expansion of its volunteer force, and the increasing reach of the genetic counseling profession is a joy. The huge responsibility that we face this year has been taken very seriously as we expand our constituency and extend our reach in the healthcare community and with the public.
--Michelle Fox, MS, LCGC
"We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now.” These are famous words spoken by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1963 at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Dr. King’s words came to my mind as platform presentations and discussions were abuzz at the 2019 NSGC AEC with issues surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The buzz was not new but was more eager, intense, and encouraged by leadership. An announcement about the Nominating Committee at an event hosted by the Minority Genetics Professional Network sparked my interest in applying. I wanted to demystify the process for others with my own first-hand experience.
I submitted my CV and answered brief questions about why I was interested in serving. I was thrilled to be accepted as a member-at-large on the Nominating Committee, which involved participating in video conference meetings, reviewing candidate applications, and interviewing candidates from January to May. Integral to the deliberations was creating a slate that reflects the membership and includes passionate leaders who can help achieve our strategic goals. The thoughtful and meaningful consideration of each deserving applicant was exemplary.
Addressing DEI at all levels within organizations has been propelled forward by COVID-19 health disparities and the tragic death of George Floyd and many others. The future of NSGC is dependent upon rising to the challenge of achieving excellence in DEI. Serving on the Nominating Committee was a rewarding experience, particularly because I had a voice in slating leaders to join the Board who have a breadth of diverse perspectives to respond to the “fierce urgency of now.”
Consider applying for the Nominating Committee or encouraging another qualified candidate in November. You won’t be disappointed!
--Grace-Ann Fasaye, ScM, CGC
Michelle Fox, MS, LCGC Michelle Fox, MS, LCGC, has coordinated the UCLA Genetics Clinic, providing genetic counseling services to both pediatric and adult populations for more than 30 years. Currently, she provides consultation services to organizations, laboratories, and businesses, including Invitae. She is on the Mt. Sinai and UCLA Genetic Counseling Program Advisory Boards, is President of the Southern California Genetic Counselors, and serves as a Director-at-Large of the National Society of Genetic Counselors Board of Directors.
Grace-Ann Fasaye, ScM, CGC is an Associate Investigator on numerous protocols at the National Cancer Institute. She is passionate about mentoring prospective genetic counseling students from underrepresented backgrounds.