September 11 Catalyze the Vote Q&A

If you could condense your vision for your presidency into one statement, what would it be?

Build a bright future - together.  The world is facing challenges that can only be solved with innovative solutions and science plays a major role in those solutions.  It is a pivotal time to articulate and demonstrate the societal and economic value of supporting science in an efficient and consistent manner.  ACS excels in bringing the right parties together and we can continue to use that influence for policy, discovery, and innovation. ACS can join forces with other science focused initiatives to provide unique messaging for chemistry and create greater impact.  The wonderful thing about this approach is that it provides opportunity for all our members to come together on multiple fronts and utilize their experiences and knowledge for a greater good.

What initiatives would you like to support during your term if elected President?

I want to build on what past presidents have done well and add my own personal take.  

I will expand our communication plan to enhance the influence of our ACS members as individual constituents, no matter where they are located, combined with strengthening our joint communications with other science focused initiatives.  The aim is for the greatest impact for the effort involved and to bridge the gap with our elected representatives that may not have a background that includes a scientific core.  It means thinking broader to include places like local Chambers of Commerce which also have a stake in science and R&D for future business opportunities. 

I will support intensified programing to continue bringing together those in business, government and academia with an intent to foster innovation.  Divisions like Inorganic and Polymer Chemistry have worked to provide valuable programming between national meetings that is accessible regardless of your geographic location. The informative webinars that divisions like CHAL and BMGT are broadly applicable across the organization and provide insights for those who want to combine their technical prowess with business opportunities or just want to learn something new.  Increasing the availability of these virtual and person options will increase the value of the Society to the membership.  The more we come together, the more likely we are to foster innovative solutions and support a community of chemists from all disciplines and career stages.

The American Chemical Society is increasingly a global enterprise. How can globalization be harnessed as a positive force in the evolution of the Society?

Science is one place where different approaches can lead to big wins.  We can solve big problems by bringing the best minds together and ACS can continue to bring those minds together for exchange and progress.  We can identify global solutions by enabling forums for our global members to interact globally while acting locally and by sharing regional needs to catalyze those wins.

What do you feel is the biggest challenge for you if elected as ACS President?

The confluence of reduced research funding and decreasing ACS membership numbers is a difficult combination, but I have never been one to back down from a challenge.  My platform is focused on building successes together.  The more value that ACS brings to the world through making connections that push the scientific frontier and enable the application of that science, the higher the value for the organization. The great thing about ACS is that it enables anyone from a student to a seasoned professional to add to the story and to feel welcomed while doing so.

How would you address the representation of non-PhD chemists in the Society's membership?

While there is no one size fits all solution, those without PhDs are often in positions where ACS could help them the most. Non-PhD chemists can enhance their careers and their lives through the job training, leadership development and practical skill-building provided by ACS. 

First, we must engage potential members by meeting them where they are and demonstrating value.  Chemists have diverse roles from technicians to sales professionals, and ACS offers common ground for all.  We need to better communicate ACS’s value to non-members, emphasizing both technical training and opportunities to build networks and essential skills like leadership. ACS is an excellent way to access these opportunities. 

By fostering inclusive spaces where professionals can connect and learn, we can help those in non-PhD roles find relevant programming and a sense of belonging.  Activities like Lunch and Learns and promotional success stories can be great forums. Program options should also support those who want to engage but can’t travel.  We must help them find their ACS home.

How do you plan to work with younger chemists during your term if elected?

Listen, learn, do.  The YCC is a shining light of the ACS, and we need to support the committee as well as individual members and provide them direction into the areas of ACS that serve them best.  I want to make sure that as members roll off YCC and move into other roles with ACS that their influence is multiplied and that we continue to replicate the energy and operating model they provide. 

How would you answer this question from a member: “Why should I join ACS? What does it do for me?”

I always mention ACS when someone remarks about how many connections I seem to have.  First, I tell them what ACS is, then I tell them what it can do.   ACS is a not just non-profit organization focused on advancing chemistry for the betterment of society; it’s also a lifelong, professional community where you can continue to grow and explore no matter where you are in your career. ACS is a place where you can build lifelong friendships, find mentoring, coaching and advice.  It’s a safe place to experiment with different leadership styles and learn about new areas of expertise. It’s a great place to gain experience that you can use if your current position isn’t providing you the personal development opportunities you desire.  When I mention these things, I have found that many people have not considered how to work ACS into their existing positions and development plans.  That’s an opportunity!