to the world. The resonating thread that we must advance through these and other initiatives is you. ACS programs can be effective only if they serve your needs and advance your goals. To this end, I look forward to hearing from you through links at tinyurl. com/hernandez4acs to learn more about how to make our ACS fellowship even stronger. I also ask for your vote so that I may continue to work with you and our fellow ACS members to improve your ACS.
▸ Larry K. Krannich Alabama Section. University of Alabama, Birmingham Academic record: Illinois State University, B.S., 1963, M.S., 1965; University of Florida, Ph.D., 1968 Honors: ACS Fellow, 2014; E. Ann Nalley Regional Award for Volunteer Service to ACS, 2009; Alabama Academy of Science Fellow, 2007; Salute to Excellence, ACS Local Section Activities Committee, 2001; Omicron Delta Kappa; Phi Kappa Phi Professional positions (for past 10 years): Alabama Academy of Science, executive director, 2003– ; University of Alabama, Birmingham, professor emeritus, 2003– , Center for Community Outreach Development, interim director, 2004 Service in ACS national offices: Leadership Advisory Board, cochair, 2009– ; Board Planning Committee Working Group on Strategic Planning Process, chair, 2016; Board Planning Committee Working Group on Strategic Planning Management Process, chair, 2015; Planning Committee, 2015, 2013; Board of Directors, Executive Committee, 2013; Society Program Portfolio Management Goals & Metrics Team, chair, 2013; Board Working Group on Society Program Portfolio Management, 2012–13; Board of Directors, District IV, director, 2011–13; councilor, ex officio, 2011–13; Committee on Grants & Awards, 2011–13, National Awards Logistics & Processes Subcommittee, chair, 2013; Committee on Professional & Member Relations, 2011–13, chair, 2013; Award Review Committee, chair, 2012; Board Working Group on Web Strategy & Innovation, 2012; Board Operations & Technology Team, 2011–12; Committee on Committees, 2005–10; BOG Leadership Skills Implementation Working Group, chair, 2005–08; Governance Review Task Force, Action Team on Optimal & Appropriate Divisional Staff Support, chair, 2007; Governance Review SubTask Force on Disciplinary Organization, 2006; Committee on Membership Affairs, 2004–05; Board Presidential Task Force on Division & Local Section Funding Petition, 2002–03; Committee on Local Section Activities, 1996–
2001, committee associate, 1995, consultant, 2002–03; Task Force on Bylaw Changes for Local Section & Division Support, 2001–02; Task Force on Electronic Mailing Lists, chair, 1996–97; Canvassing Committee, ACS Award in Organometallic Chemistry, 1993–96, chair, 1995–96 Service in ACS offices: Alabama Section: alternate councilor, 2016–18; councilor, 1994–2010; chair, 1982–83; chair-elect, 1981–82. Southeast Regional Meeting: secretary-treasurer, 1990–98 Member: Member of ACS since 1964. Alabama Academy of Science. ACS Divisions: Chemical Education, History of Chemistry Related activities: Alabama Academy of Science, executive director, 2003– , treasurer, 1992–03; Vestavia Math Team Parents Association, president, 2010, vice president, 2009; IPC Foundation Board, 2005–10, president, Krannich 2010, vice president, 2009; University of Alabama, Birmingham, professor and department chair, 1977–2003, associate professor, 1972–76, assistant professor, 1969–72; Technische Hochschule Wien, visiting professor, 1969; University of Mississippi, assistant professor, 1968–69; published 54 journal articles, a study guide (11 editions) to general chemistry text, and a chapter in an inorganic encyclopedia
Krannich’s statement Members are the society’s business. The 15 American Chemical Society directors have a crucial duty, in addition to their fiduciary responsibility, to support and empower our members professionally and scientifically. After all, a focus on members is one of ACS’s four core values, and it has been pervasive throughout our history.
Past. In 1876, 35 U.S. chemists formed ACS and achieved independence from prominent European chemical societies. That spark became a flame! Today, we have nearly 157,000 members, including 26,000 from other countries. Strength resides in our 185 local sections with professional and scientific exchange and community outreach and our 32 technical divisions (100,300 members) focused in field-specific areas. Our members enjoyed satisfying, steady employment throughout their professional careers. Fifty years ago, companies went to campuses offering jobs to seniors, and our Employment Clearing House had a registrant-to-job ratio of 1:4.
Present. While ACS is highly regarded
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worldwide as an effective force for the chemistry enterprise, we have many challenges. We provide vital information for our members through printed and electronic means and meetings to support their work. However, many members expect more. Our local sections experience low member engagement. Divisions thrive but compete for members with cross-divisional interests and lack a global focus. Although we sign up large numbers of new members, we lose them rapidly. Last year, we added nearly 23,000 new members but lost 22,000! Apparently, they did not find membership worthwhile, and they dropped out within five years. Another issue is employment. Today, six months after graduation, 14.5% still do not have a job. At the 2016 ACS national meeting in San Diego, 739 members signed up to explore employment opportunities among 105 jobs posted by 30 employers. Although chemistry is an exciting and rewarding profession, having a job is critical.
Future. My vision is that the 21st-century ACS will be the first choice and professional home for all chemists and related scientists. Diverse challenges, each impacting member-value expectations, face us. Our future depends on retaining the thousands of new members by evolving our value proposition and onboarding processes. Fifty years ago, it was publications and meetings. Today, the internet instantly provides much of the desired information from your handheld device. Jobs of the past are disappearing through mergers and outsourcing. We cannot create jobs but can work on making the atmosphere more desirable for R&D, providing the resources to make members more competitive and improving how we prepare our graduates for tomorrow’s jobs and selling themselves in the marketplace.
What do I propose? I have extensive professional experience, demonstrated commitment to advancing ACS, and proven leadership skills to address these near-term challenges while setting the long-term vision for ACS. I do not promise instant or simple solutions to our complex problems. However, if we possess the skills and resources to develop award-winning outreach programs and have the business acumen to make us the gold standard in scientific publishing, we can make significant SEPTEMBER 12, 2016 | CEN.ACS.ORG | C&EN
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progress. As District IV director, I commit to the following: ▸ Collaborating with you, the member, to address the challenges and prioritize these into member-generated strategic opportunity initiatives. The solutions to problems are rarely successful when they are generated from the top down. History shows that a grassroots approach can solve the most difficult problems. As a team member, member-value advocate, leadership course facilitator, and ACS leader, I have useful insights about ACS and its mission and challenges. I value inclusive decision-making. Collaborating annually with six committees/technical divisions/District IV local
sections in the same manner. Let’s explore fostering partnerships between technical divisions and local sections to synergistically enhance the member-value proposition. What does research suggest about successful onboarding processes for new member retention? Working with the Board Planning Committee to clarify the ACS strategic planning and management process and promote member engagement in setting priorities.
Details? Please visit my website I have the necessary background! With due modesty, but confidence, I believe I am a great fit for director, am well-prepared, and desire to focus my efforts in serving District
For Director-at-Large Joseph A. Heppert Wakarusa Valley Section. University of Kansas, Lawrence Academic record: San José State University, B.S., 1978; University of Wisconsin, Ph.D., 1982; Indiana University, postdoctoral fellow, 1985 Honors: ACS Fellow, 2012; University of Kansas Leading Light Award, 2012; Vice Chancellor’s Fellow, 2002; University of Kansas Center for Teaching Excellence Graduate Teaching Award, 1998; Keeler Intra-University Professor, 1998 Professional positions (for past 10 years): University of Kansas, associate vice chancellor for research, 2009– , chemistry chair, 2005– , professor, 2001– , Center for Science Education, director, 2001–09 Service in ACS national offices: Committee on Budget & Finance, 2013–15, vice chair, 2015–16, committee associate, 2011–12; Task Forces on Program Valuation & Metrics, 2013–14; ACS Chemistry Teacher Education Coalition National Advisory Board, 2011–14; ACS Joint Board President’s Task Force on Education, 2009–10; Committee on Education, 2002–10, chair, 2004–06, committee associate, 2000–01; ACS President’s Task Force on Competitiveness, 2007–08; Governance Review Team A, 2007; ACS Program Review Advisory Group 2005–06; Council Policy Committee, (nonvoting) 2004–06 Service in ACS offices: Wakarusa Valley Section (formerly the University of Kansas Section): councilor, 1997–2017; chair, 2004, 1993; chair-elect, 2003, 1992; alternate councilor, 1994–96; treasurer, 1991. Midwest Regional Meeting: general meeting cochair, 2017; program chair, 2002 Member: Member of ACS since 1979. Amer-
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IV members as director. I am regarded as a highly focused doer within ACS. I possess the time, energy, and expertise to do this. I have the leadership skills to listen to the ideas of others, work toward consensus, and collaborate to develop successful projects within established deadlines. I do this now with local sections, divisions, and national committees. When we work together, nothing is impossible.
ican Association for the Advancement of Science, Sigma Xi, National Science Teachers Association, American Association of Chemistry Teachers, Public Responsibility in Medicine & Research. ACS Divisions: Chemical Education, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry Related activities: University of Kansas Medical Center, Institute for Advancing Medical Innovation, advisory board member, 2015; ACS Legislative Summit, participant, 2008; Sen. Pat Roberts Advisory Committee on Science, Technology & the Future, past member; University of Kansas Center for Science Education, past director; University of Kansas Faculty and University Senate Executive Committees, past chair; Center for Environmentally Beneficial Catalysis (NSF Engineering Heppert Research Center), education director; Advanced Academy of Georgia Board of Directors, past member
Heppert’s statement All chemists can be proud of the work we accomplish through ACS. ACS is acknowledged as one of the world’s top professional scientific societies. The value proposition that motivates chemists to associate with ACS is multifaceted: scholarly information, education, professional activities and employment, advocacy for STEM issues, and fellowship with like-minded chemical scientists. ACS does a remarkable job accommodating these broad needs under a single umbrella. As we look to the coming decade,
(larrykrannich.com) for specifics. Most important, e-mail me (
[email protected]) your concerns, questions, and thoughts on your important issues.
I believe the society needs to expend particular effort in these and related areas that represent challenges and opportunities for the future of the society.
Chemical jobs. Over the past 75 years, the international chemical industry, led by U.S. chemical innovation, has ushered the world into a healthier, more prosperous, and increasingly more environmentally conscious era. The chemical industry, along with all of its client and supplier businesses, has long been a key strength of the U.S. economy. The potential for erosion of this mainstay of economic prosperity and employment explains membership concerns about ongoing structural changes in U.S. chemical businesses. Regardless of the changing structure of the U.S. high-technology industry, ACS members know that chemical innovation must continue to play a central role in driving U.S. competitiveness. Without sustained chemical entrepreneurship, we will stifle one important pathway for developing chemical innovations critical to the vitality of the high-tech industry. ACS needs to advocate for chemical entrepreneurs on a national level and help connect the originators of promising technologies in industry and academics with resources needed to successfully launch new product lines and chemistry startups. The society must encourage talented chemists and chemical engineers to obtain the business and political skills and experiences required to become discerning leaders of and advocates for U.S. chemical businesses.
Chemical education. Degrees in chemistry provide an excellent foundation for career paths in chemical-, biotechnology-, and materials-related industries and in business, teaching, and government service. Leadership from members of the Division of Chemical Education and the Committee on Professional Training has created greater traction for innovation in undergraduate curricula over the past decade. However, the society needs to go further to ensure that graduate and undergraduate students are prepared for the rapidly changing environment in high-technology employment. Undergraduate students need expanded access to research at chemistry’s disciplinary interfaces, and all students should have opportunities to explore strategies for applying their knowledge of chemistry in parallel career paths such as information science, biotechnology, law, international relations, and government service. More students need to learn how to take processes from conception to the market through experiences in makerspaces, internships in high-technology businesses, and participation in entrepreneurship training. ACS has already conducted experiments in many of these areas and must advocate for providing these opportunities earlier in the formal educational process.
Building on existing ACS strengths. ACS programs, including Project SEED, ACS Scholars, and local section outreach, are already working to increase the diversity of student populations studying in STEM fields. ACS needs to redouble its efforts in these areas. The society can play an increased role in advocating for federal, state, and local programs to enhance STEM education and in ACS sponsorship of programs bringing the wonder of the chemical sciences to students from underrepresented populations. ACS remains the world’s premier source of chemical science knowledge, which is an important value proposition for scientists who associate with the society. Recent changes in ACS Publications and information services have been very popular among academic and industry client bases. As the society considers strategies for retaining younger scientists, we need to examine how these individuals access and consume scientific information and how we can adapt society programs beyond Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) and Pubs to support this critical segment of our membership. The vast majority of scientific professionals are appalled by a governmental climate that seems to marginalize the role of scientific knowledge in policy-making, sidetrack programs to build high-quality STEM education, and disregard the urgent
need to support research that leads to technological innovation. ACS must sustain support for its Office of Public Affairs while seeking additional partnerships to publicly support science with like-minded stakeholders among other scientific societies and technology-related businesses. It is truly an honor to have been asked to stand for election to an at-large seat on the ACS Board of Directors. If elected, I will work with ACS members and with other representatives on the board to support society policies, practices, and programs that will address these and other questions of importance to ACS members.
▸ Kristin M. Omberg Central New Mexico Section. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Wash. Academic record: Gonzaga University, B.S., chemistry, 1993, B.A., philosophy, 1993; University of North Carolina, Ph.D., chemistry, 1998, doctoral certificate in public policy analysis, 1998; Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), postdoctoral fellow, 1999–2001 Honors: LANL Distinguished Performance Award, 2015, 2001; ACS Fellow, 2012; U.S. Secret Service Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Support to the Democratic National Convention, 2008, 2004; LANL Women’s Career Development Outstanding Mentor Award, 2005; Certificate of Appreciation for Service to National Security Special Events, Department of Homeland Security, 2004; R&D 100 Award, 2003; LANL Director’s Postdoctoral Fellowship, 1999–2001; ACS Congressional Fellowship, 1998–99; gold medal, Northwest Olympiada of Spoken Russian, American Council of Teachers of Russian, 1989; Sigma Xi Professional positions (for past 10 years): Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Chemical & Biological Signature Science, group leader, 2015– ; LANL, R&D manager and technical staff Omberg member, 2001–15 Service in ACS national offices: Committee on Budget & Finance, 2014–16, chair, 2015, committee associate, 2009–13; Board Committee on Executive Compensation, 2015; Board Committee on Planning, 2015; Council Policy Committee, (nonvoting) 2015; Committee on Chemistry & Public Affairs, 2004–12, chair, 2008–10, committee associate, 2001–03; ACS Presidential Task Force on Enhancing Innovation & Competitiveness,
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2007–08; ACS Presidential Task Force on the Department of Energy, 2002 Service in ACS offices: Central New Mexico Section: councilor, 2014–16; past-chair, 2015; National Chemistry Olympiad coordinator, 2014–15; chair, 2014; chair-elect, 2013; executive adviser, 2012–13 Member: Member of ACS since 1994. American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Association for Women in Science, Sigma Xi Related activities: 230th ACS National Meeting, “Symposium on Congressional Science Fellows,” organizer/presider, 2005; 223rd ACS National Meeting, “Award Symposium for Thomas J. Meyer,” organizer/presider, 2002; “How to Fund Science: The Future of Medical Research,” sponsored by AAAS, invited participant, 1999; Sigma Xi Annual Forum Steering Committee, 1997–98; 31 publications in peer-reviewed journals; two book chapters in the areas of inorganic chemistry and biology; one book chapter on career opportunities for chemists in government; author or coauthor of more than 50 controlled publications and technical reports, and federal interagency guidance
Omberg’s statement It is an honor to be considered for ACS director-at-large. Thank you for taking time to evaluate my qualifications and vision. I am passionate about ACS’s mission, and as a current councilor, current and former committee chair, former local section chair, and former ACS Congressional Fellow, I ask for your vote so that I can bring my unique perspective and experiences to the board. As a member of the board, I will consider it my duty to communicate the “what,” “why,” and “how” of society processes and decisions. ACS is an influential, complicated, and sometimes confusing organization. But fundamentally, ACS is you, me, and all of our members. We should feel ownership in our society, its direction, and its success; understanding how ACS works and having a voice in society decisions are critical to that ownership. As the current chair of the society Committee on Budget & Finance, I have made it a priority to understand the “what,” “why,” and “how” of the society’s financial decisions and to communicate them to members: For example, I’ve published C&EN comments on how dues revenues are allocated (C&EN, Nov. 2, 2015, page 47) and how dues increases are determined (C&EN, SEPTEMBER 12, 2016 | CEN.ACS.ORG | C&EN
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May 9, page 34). I will continue to do this as a member of the board. You and I may have legitimate disagreements about society issues—for example, dues increases—but it’s hard to resolve them if we don’t have all the relevant information. It is imperative that ACS leadership broadly communicates current processes as well as possible changes and their impacts so that we can all participate in making informed choices for the society’s future. I will also consider it my duty to gather diverse input and advocate for diverse representation in the society and its decisions. One of ACS’s core values is “diversity and inclusion,” and we must remember that when decisions are made. We are strongest when we inspire all members to contribute regardless of their demographic characteristics or personal discriminants, when we gather input across a full spectrum of views, and when we participate in making informed choices, however controversial, together. I will work to ensure that ACS’s core values are emphasized across all goals and programs and whenever decisions are made. ACS has four core values: “passion for chemistry and the global chemistry enterprise in the broadest sense,” “focus on members,” “professionalism,” and “diversity and inclusion.” We often focus on ACS’s goals, because goals are easier to track. But values are integral to our identity. I will consider all board decisions in the context of promoting our values, as well as achieving our goals. I will work to strengthen ACS’s advocacy programs and will promote programs and policy positions that take a long-term perspective so that we advance science and employment prospects in the future as well as today. In 1999, I was the ACS Congressional Fellow. I worked on the Senate Committee on the Budget, organizing hearings on doubling the budget of the National Institutes of Health. I learned firsthand, in that role, that the real impacts of federal research funding are felt years or even decades after decisions are made. Following my fellowship, I campaigned to join the ACS Committee on Chemistry & Public Affairs and eventually became chair of the committee so that I could give back to ACS by sharing what I had learned. Today’s flat research funding does not just hurt today’s researchers and students: It will impact technology and employment among chemists in the year 2030 in ways we cannot foresee. As a premier advocacy organization, ACS has a mandate to promote policies that support its members’ interests in the short and long term. In today’s political environment, it’s difficult to look past the next election, but ACS should be working to influence the next decade, or several decades, through policy.
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To do that, we must prioritize working with federal agencies, as well as with Congress. Federal agency staff members are already shaping the policies and initiatives we will see in the 2020s. A new President will also bring his or her priorities to the office. I will work to ensure resources are available for ACS to effectively engage the federal agencies and the new Administration, while continuing to support our successful programs on Capitol Hill. I appreciate your consideration of my statement, and I hope I have convinced you to give me one of your two votes. I would be honored to represent you as director-at-large. Please leave any feedback at kristinmomberg.wordpress.com.
▸ Dorothy J. Phillips Northeastern Section. (Retired) Waters Corp., Milford, Mass. Academic record: Vanderbilt University, B.A., 1967; University of Cincinnati, Ph.D., 1974 Honors: Dr. Dorothy J. Wingfield Phillips Endowed Chair, Vanderbilt University, 2015; Distinguished Chemist Award, New England Institute of Chemists, 2011; ACS Fellow, 2010; Shirley B. Radding Award, ACS Santa Clara Valley Section, 2008; Waters Leadership Award for Outstanding Contributions to Waters & Waters’s Community, 2008; Dr. Dorothy Wingfield Phillips Award for Leadership, Vanderbilt University, 2007; Henry A. Hill Award, ACS Northeastern Section, 2006; Unsung Heroine Award, Vanderbilt University, 2006; Salute to Excellence Award, ACS Nashville Section, 2004; honored by TTT Mentor Program of Cambridge, Mass., “Minority Role Model in Science, Mathematics, Technology & Engineering,” 2004; Distinguished Alumni, University of Cincinnati, McMicken College of Arts & Sciences, 1994, Center for Women Studies, 1993 Professional positions (for past 10 years): Waters Corp., 1984–2013, strategic marketing director, 2006–13, clinical marketing director, 2004–06 Service in ACS national offices: Board of Directors, director-at-large, 2014–16, Executive Committee, 2016; councilor, ex officio, 2014– 16; Board Standing Committee on Planning, Grassroots Dialogue Working Group, chair, 2016; Collaborative for Reimaging a Diverse ACS Membership, chair, 2016; Committee on Grants & Awards, 2016, 2014; Committee on Public Affairs & Public Relations, 2015; Committee on Professional & Member Relations, 2014–16; Science & Human Rights initiatives, board liaison, 2014–16; Undergraduate Programs Advisory Board, 2013; Council Policy Committee, 2008–13, Nominations Sub-
committee, chair, 2012–13; Presidential Task Force, “Vision 2025: Helping ACS Members Thrive in the Global Chemistry Enterprise,” 2012; Committee on Divisional Activities, 2007–08; Committee on Committees, 2001– 06, secretary, 2003–04, Industrial Pipeline Subcommittee, chair, 2005–06; Committee on Membership Affairs, 1997–2000, committee associate, 1996; Committee on International Activities, committee associate, 1998 Service in ACS offices: Northeastern Section: trustee, 2014–16; Awards Committee, chair, 2009–16; councilor, 1995–2013; Centennial Celebration, cochair, 1998; Project SEED, committee chair, 1994–95; Nominating Committee, chair, 1994; chair, 1993; chair-elect and program chair, 1992. Analytical Chemistry Division: Fund-raising Committee, chair, 2012–13; chair, 2009–10; immediate past-chair, 2008–09; program chair, 2008–09; chair-elect, 2007–08 Member: Member of ACS since 1973. National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists & Chemical Engineers, Sigma Xi, Alpha Kappa Alpha. ACS Divisions: Agrochemicals, American Association of Chemistry Teachers, Analytical Chemistry, Biological Chemistry, Business Development & Management Related activities: ACS national meeting presentations, Committee on Minority Affairs luncheon, spring 2015, “Legacy of Henry A. Hill” symposia, fall 2015; spearheaded Waters sponsorship of the Frank H. Field & Joe L. Franklin Award for Outstanding Achievement in Mass Spectrometry and the ACS Award in Separations Science & Technology; keynote or invited speaker at the 15th International Conference of the Indian Society of Chemists & Biologists, Rajkot, India, 2011, International Conference on “Chemistry for Mankind: Innovative Ideas in Life Sciences,” Nagpur, India, 2011, 3rd Annual PepCon conference, Beijing, 2010, 6th Annual Congress of International Drug Discovery Science & Technology, Beijing, 2008. More than 70 publications and presentations focused on separation sciences and a book chapter on active learning in analytical chemistry
Phillips’s statement First, I thank you for the opportunity to serve on the American Chemical Society Board of Directors from 2014 to 2016. My first term as a director-at-large has been rewarding, enabling me to gain more insight about ACS as a society while I strived to advance the broader chemistry enterprise. Among my priorities for a second term are enabling ACS to reach its potential in both globalization and diversity. My 16 years of corporate experience developing global business partnerships gives me the exper-
tise to work with ACS executive staff and the board to build sustainable global relationships. In 2015, I received a deeply appreciated recognition award from my alma mater as Vanderbilt University announced its focus to be more inclusive. Vanderbilt established the Dr. Dorothy J. Wingfield Phillips Endowed Chair to advance research, education, and diversity in the STEM fields. Highlights of my achievements and service during my first term and initiatives for a second term are consistent with ACS’s goals and core values. Globalization. ACS has specific objectives for continued international inPhillips volvement. As a global marketer, I realized that an important strategy to building relationships in Europe, Japan, and Asia was spending time with stakeholders in their environments. Better understanding of their culture, values, and needs fostered the building of common goals. During a second term on the board, I will push forward the idea for board members to visit international members, chapters, and business partners. Diversity and inclusion. Being recognized by Vanderbilt as a trailblazer for diversity, I am committed to making strong contributions to this ACS core value. While serving on the board’s Grants & Awards Committee, I supported the effort to increase the number of women and minority candidates for society awards and honors. In 2015, I attended the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists & Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE) meeting to strengthen its collaboration with ACS. Currently, I chair the collaborative that is tasked with achieving the strategic imperative to increase the diversity of ACS membership so that it reflects that of the U.S. and the world. Science and human rights. Since 2014, I’ve been proud to serve as the ACS Board liaison for the society’s Science & Human Rights (S&HR) program that monitors the cases of scientists worldwide whose rights have been abridged. I work closely with the Office of International Activities to expand the initiative to include webinars, symposia, and collaborations. My two C&EN comments on S&HR (Oct. 13, 2014, page 30, and Jan. 18, page 35) focused on increasing the involvement of ACS members in casework. During a second term on the board, I will continue to support S&HR programs as well as encourage further involvement of ACS members.
Safety in laboratories. My level of interest in chemical safety has been enhanced by the recent increase in newsworthy safety incidents. For example, on March 16, Thea Ekins-Coward, a postdoc at the University of Hawaii, Manoa, suffered the loss of an arm in a laboratory explosion. During a second term, I will work closely with my colleagues to determine actions at the board level to noticeably enhance ACS’s involvement and profile in laboratory safety.
Legislative summits. Legislative summits are organized annually for board members to spend a day on Capitol Hill advocating for public policies related to the society and its members. As a member of the board, I visited the offices of senators and congressmen each year. When President Obama signed the Every Student Succeeds Act on Dec. 10, 2015, I felt fulfilled because I advocated for this bill with its potential to prepare more students for careers in chemistry and related disciplines. Personal goal. I grew up in the segregated South of the U.S., yet my achievements have been far greater than expected. I exceeded my potential through the grace of God and the support of others. I was the first African American woman to receive a B.A. degree from Vanderbilt’s College of Arts & Science and a Ph.D. from the University of Cincinnati in chemistry and to serve on the ACS Board of Directors. Whenever I tell my story, I hope it inspires someone in the audience to move forward with his/her career in the sciences or other disciplines. In summary, I have demonstrated my ability to be a strong contributor on the ACS Board of Directors. I have extensive leadership experience as a corporate director and within ACS governance, local sections, and divisions. I have high enthusiasm and many ideas for my second term as a director-at-large. Please visit my website at dorothyphillips. net and cast your vote for me!
▸ Kathleen M. Schulz Central New Mexico Section. Business Results, Inc., Albuquerque, N.M. Academic record: Eastern New Mexico University, B.S. summa cum laude, 1964; University of Missouri, Ph.D., 1973 Honors: ACS Fellow, 2009; Sandia President’s Quality Award, Advanced Sales Training
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Program, 2005; American Marketing Association Marketer of the Year Award of Achievement for New Mexico, government category, 2000; Sandia/Lockheed Martin Employee Recognition Award-Robotic Industries Association Trade Show Team, 2000; ACS Office of Public Outreach Appreciation Award, 1996; Professionalism Award, Midwest Research Institute Council of Principal Scientists, 1989; Pioneer in Laboratory Robotics Award, International Symposium on Laboratory Robotics, 1988; Outstanding Young Women in America, 1974; Gulf Oil Fellowship, University of Missouri, 1971–72; ACS Analytical Division Summer Fellowship/Carle Instruments, 1970; National Defense Education Act Graduate Fellowship, University of Missouri, 1968–71 Professional positions (for past 10 years): Business Results Inc., president, 2009– ; Lockheed Martin/Sandia National Laboratories, systems engineer/performance improvement consultant, business development manager, technology marketing consultant, 2000–08 Service in ACS national offices: Board of Directors, director-at-large, 2011–16; councilor, ex officio, 2011–16; Board Executive Committee, 2015; Board Standing Committee on Planning, 2015–16, chair, 2015–16; Board Standing Committee on Public Affairs & Public Relations, 2011–16, chair, 2012–14; Committee on Professional & Member Relations, 2015; Committee on Grants & Awards, 2011–13; Presidential Task Force on Climate Science, 2011–13; ACS Leadership Advisory Board, member, 2009–13; Presidential Task Force on Innovation in the Chemical Enterprise, 2010; Council Policy Committee, (voting) 2008–10, (nonvoting) 1999–2001; Committee on Nominations & Elections, 2002–07; Board of Trustees, Group Insurance Plans for ACS Members, 1999–2007; Board Oversight Group on Leadership Development, 2004–05, cochair, 2004–05; Committee on Committees (ConC) Task Force on Governance, 2003; ConC Task Force on Committee Effectiveness, 2002–03; Presidential Working Group on Leadership Development, 2002-03, chair, 2002–03; Presidential Task Force on Bylaw Changes for Division & Local Section Support, 2001; Presidential Task Force on Leadership Development, 2000–01; Advisory Board for Industry Relations, 1999–2001; Committee on Local Section Activities, 1999–2001, chair, 1999–2001; Presidential Task Force on Society Support to Local Sections & Divisions, 2000; Board of Directors Task Force on Technical Programming, 1998; ConC Future Directions Task Force, 1998; ConC Industry Pipeline Task Force, chair, 1997–98; Committee on Committees, 1996–98; Committee on Public Relations, 1992–98, chair, 1997–98, committee associate, 1992–93 Service in ACS offices: bylaw councilor, SEPTEMBER 12, 2016 | CEN.ACS.ORG | C&EN
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2010. Division of Business Development & Management: councilor, 2004–09; Membership Committee, chair, 2003–08. Division of Industrial & Engineering Chemistry: councilor, 1994–2002; Automation Program Chair, 1990–96; Program Committee, 1990– 96, program secretary, 1990–94; alternate councilor, 1988–93; past-chair, 1990; chair, 1989; chair-elect, 1988; Executive Committee, member-at-large, 1986–88. California Section: Executive Committee, 1974–77. Fresno Subsection: secretary-treasurer, 1979, 1974; chair, 1976–77; chair-elect, 1975 Member: Member of ACS since 1965. Association for Talent Development. ACS Divisions: Industrial & Engineering Chemistry, Small Chemical Businesses Related activities: Facilitator for 19 ACS grassroots unit strategic planning retreats, 2012– . Developer of ACS training, programs, subdivisions, and symposia. Trained/Certified in many consulting and organization development skills. Professional experience: 40-year career in every sector of the chemical enterprise; wide range of positions, e.g., professor, principal investigator, program manager, business unit director, consultant. Speaker/ Presenter: Many technical presentations, seminars, and workshops delivered nationally and internationally in person and via live TV or videoconference. Because of space restrictions, see www.sandiaspring.com/kms4dal for full details
Schulz’s statement “Keeping ACS strong in uncertain times” We are used to uncertainty in ACS, but this year takes things to a whole new level. We can’t predict what will happen in 2017, but disruptive change seems increasingly likely. Changes in governments and other world events could produce major shifts in the business climate, jobs, R&D funding, pre-K through postdoctoral education, and more. The good news: Today, ACS is financially strong, with a large membership, committed volunteers, valued products and services, stellar credibility, and a stellar reputation. To ensure that we remain a world-class organization, the 2017 ACS Board of Directors must work closely with grassroots and staff leaders to effectively meet the challenges ahead.
The challenges Today’s challenges for ACS are wide-ranging and likely to continue for the foreseeable future. It’s a long list, including globalization, decreased support for R&D and science education, declining ACS membership, decreasing science literacy among the public and legislators, and more. These
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challenges require the board to consider big questions, including ▸ How can we make ACS indispensable to the chemistry enterprise, including current and potential members? ▸ What should we do to improve members’ career competitiveness, strengthen chemistry education, and help lawmakers understand the benefits of supporting science? We address such questions by focused action in the four goal areas of the ACS strategic plan: information, careers, education, and communicating chemistry’s value. The board annually reviews progress, considers new challenges, seeks input, and modifies the plan that guides us all. What about new, unpredictable challenges? I believe these will be our greatest test in the immediate future. Disruptive change requires new skills and major adjustments—perhaps completely new strategies. To address such issues, ACS needs adaptability, creative new approaches, and even closer collaboration between the board and other ACS leaders.
What did I do? No single board member can address ACS’s astonishingly broad portfolio. Instead, we work collaboratively, each contributing unique strengths and experience. Here are the areas I’ve focused on (with recent contributions) during my past two terms:
Supporting ACS grassroots—Facilitated 19 strategic planning retreats for local sections, divisions, and ACS regional and advisory boards. Advocacy—Chaired Board Standing Committee on Public Affairs & Public Schulz Relations; annually visited Capitol Hill to advocate for funding. Strategy—Chaired Board Standing Committee on Planning; led many environment scan and Strategy Café dialogues (for example, with national committees and new councilors). Leadership development—Wrote white paper for board development discussion; facilitated advanced leadership and strategic planning workshops at the ACS Leadership Institute. To summarize, I’ve collaborated with my board colleagues, contributed as an individual board member, and actively served on the board’s four main standing committees and its elected Executive Committee. I’ve also chaired two standing committees and led or served on several
task forces (for example, one concerning awards equity).
Qualifications Going forward, I offer the following qualifications, in addition to board experience: ▸ Commitment to keeping ACS local sections and divisions strong. ▸ The ability to understand diverse member needs, from a career in all sectors of the chemistry enterprise. ▸ Deep understanding of ACS, from many years as an active volunteer. ▸ Willingness to commit time and do the work required, proven by my long ACS track record. If disruptive change happens, please consider my additional helpful skills and experience: ▸ Proven ability to assess and adapt to changing situations, from a wide-ranging career as a bench chemist, educator, business developer, manager, and consultant. ▸ The ability to recognize and grow opportunities, demonstrated in marketing/business development success in five different organizations. ▸ Strong skills in creative problem solving, guiding and communicating change, developed through 20 years of consulting. ▸ Experience and special training in critical skills— consulting, organizational/ leadership development, human performance improvement, facilitation.
Our future I believe in ACS and its mission and am committed to helping achieve our vision of “improving people’s lives through the transforming power of chemistry.” We can truly make a difference in the world by keeping ACS strong and able to support chemical professionals as they solve pressing problems worldwide! The best legacy of my service on the ACS Board would be a financially strong, respected society that’s indispensable to the chemical professionals of tomorrow. After two terms as a fully engaged board member, and 40 years as an active ACS volunteer, I remain energetic, enthusiastic, and committed to partnering with you to serve ACS members and the society! I would be honored to receive one of your two votes for director-at-large. For additional information on my qualifications and activities, see www. sandiaspring.com/kms4dal.
