Committees

The standing committees of ISONG shape the direction, leadership, and work of our association. The committees, their responsibilities, and how their members are chosen are defined in the ISONG Bylaws.

If you are interested in contributing to a committee, please contact the chairperson(s) to learn how you can support its work. Chairs’ contact details are in the ISONG Member Directory. If you are not a member, email info@isong.org and your message will be passed on.

Awards, Bylaws, and Nominations Committees

These three committees share a chair.

Awards Committee

Oversees ISONG’s Founders’ awards for Education, Practice, and Research, along with any other active awards. The committee calls for nominations, reviews them against established criteria, and recognizes the winners at Congress each year.

Bylaws Committee

Reviews the ISONG Bylaws, considers proposed changes from the Board or membership, and prepares amendments for a membership vote.

Nominations Committee

Identifies the Board and committee positions opening each year, issues the call for nominations, reviews candidate eligibility, and prepares the final slate of candidates for election.

Chair (Immediate Past President) John Merriman PhD, RN, AOCNS New York University Meyers College of Nursing

Congress Committee

Plans ISONG’s Annual Congress from start to finish. The committee manages the call for abstracts and proposals, reviews submissions, invites speakers, shapes the program, organizes social activities, and provides on-site coordination during Congress.

Co-Chair Crissy Dodson PhD, MSN, RN, CNE University of North Carolina at Wilmington School of Nursing

Co-Chair Jennifer Woo PhD, CNM, WHNP, FACNM The University of Texas at Arlington College of Nursing and Health Innovation

Development Committee

Builds relationships with corporate and university sponsors whose interests align with ISONG’s mission, identifies non-dues income opportunities, and pursues grants that support Congress and the wider work of the society. The committee coordinates with the Congress Committee to align funding and sponsorship efforts.

Chair Susan W. Wesmiller PhD, RN, FAAN University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing

Education Committee

Supports genetics and genomics education for nurses at every level of preparation. The committee curates educational resources, encourages sharing of evidence-based practices among nurses worldwide, contributes to the educational planning of Congress sessions, and partners with other ISONG committees on joint projects.

Co-Chair Sarah Dewell PhD, MSc, RN Thompson Rivers University School of Nursing

Co-Chair Trina Walker DNP, APRN, FNP-C Creighton University College of Nursing

Ethics and Public Policy Committee

Tracks scientific and policy developments in genomics and precision health and develops opinions or position statements on issues that call for an ISONG response.

Co-Chair Leslie Darmofal DNP, APRN, ACNS-BC, PHN Minnesota State University, Mankato School of Nursing

Co-Chair Alexis K. Hall PhD, MSP, RN, ACRP-CP, CNCT, FNP-DNP Student University of Florida College of Nursing

Global Membership Committee

Works to grow and sustain ISONG’s global membership, with particular attention to recruiting nurses from regions around the world and supporting the engagement and retention of current members.

Co-Chair Peter James B. Abad MSc (Gen Couns), RN, PhD Candidate University of Iowa College of Nursing

Co-Chair Ilknur Yeşilçınar PhD, RN University of Massachusetts Dartmouth College of Nursing and Health Sciences

Professional Practice Committee

Develops resources on genetics and genomics nursing practice and supports members on practice issues, credentialing, and the evolving standards of genomics nursing care.

Co-Chair Andrew Grant MN, RN Minderoo Children's Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital

Co-Chair Elizabeth Hassen PhD, MSN, RN, OCN AstraZeneca

Research Committee

Builds awareness of research in nursing, genomics, and related fields to support members’ professional development. The committee also oversees the ISONG Research Grant application and review process and explores research collaborations with partner organizations.

Co-Chair Thao Griffith PhD, RN Loyola University Chicago Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing

Co-Chair Alexandra L. Nowak PhD, JD, RN Loyola University Chicago Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing