Happy 2025 to all of you! A year that kicks off a new Strategic Plan….a year that ushers in a new era of modernization of our organization.

 

As I start this year as your President, I have been reflecting on the Incoming Presidential Address I gave at last year’s Annual Conference

I spoke about three topics that drive my professional life every day, and how we can cause a butterfly effect through a small choice:

1. NSGC is a healthy organization where inclusivity is the norm and anyone can belong.
2. The genetic counselor skillset is valued and the profession is a household name.
3. Genetic counselors are Medicare-recognized providers which solidifies sustainability.

It works out really well that my passion points align very well with our goals as an organization, so I am driven to lead us in progress towards our goals this year!

To remind us all about those initiatives at a high level:

1. Achieve competitive reimbursement for Genetic Counselors to improve patient access (In short: Get GCs paid!)
2. Amplify genetic counselor influence with consumer and industry audiences.(In short: Seats at the table)
3. Advance NSGC for the future (In short: Modernize NSGC)

As I write this message, our Committee Chairs and newly appointed Vice Chairs are absorbing and discussing their charges. Charges that all map directly to one or more of our strategic goals and will guide our committees throughout the year.

The Board of Directors will be discussing these charges and the upcoming year’s work with the committee leadership at our upcoming second annual Leadership Summit in wintry Chicago next week. The Board of Directors will also be holding our winter in-person Board meeting directly before the Summit to continue strategic discussions on some exciting items that will be shared as soon as we can. I look forward to leading these meetings soon!

I have also been reflecting on the culture of belonging that I discussed in the address. Part of my journey within NSGC has been getting involved in various levels of service – small projects and supportive roles, and larger leadership roles like Cancer SIG co-chair and Board of Directors.

All of this has built my feeling of belonging in this profession, developed relationships that have lasted for many years (and even the best of friendships!), and pushed my professional growth forward in ways I never would have imagined. I share all of this to say – take a chance! Make one small choice to potentially alter your professional trajectory by answering the call for nominations to leadership of NSGC! You can nominate yourself and/or a colleague at https://www.nsgc.org/About/NSGC-Leadership/Nominations-and-Elections-Process, and it does not take much of your time. The Call closes on 2/15/25, so don’t wait to get started.

Finally, for better connections with NSGC leadership, I am thrilled to start a video series this year to get to know your leaders – all while sharing interesting and important information along the way. Starting with the video message you saw here, stay tuned for more this year!

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