For Immediate Release: Monday, July 24, 2023, 12:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time
Media Contact: Kara Flynn, (202) 257-8424, press@ashg.org
CEO Mona Miller Will Step Down in November After Six Years of Significant ASHG Growth, Ensuring Society Navigated the Pandemic Successfully, and Setting New Strategic Directions
ROCKVILLE, MD – The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) announced today that after six years as Chief Executive Officer, Mona Miller has informed them she will step down from the role following the ASHG 2023 Annual Meeting. Miller joined ASHG in July 2017 and has led it through a period of substantial strategic growth and operational transformation, while navigating the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over those years, the Society has reinforced its strengths and grown its reputation as a force advancing human genetics and genomics research and application.
Under Miller’s leadership, ASHG led major program innovation and growth; grew ASHG’s annual revenue budget by $2.5M from existing and new revenue lines and its staff from 20 to 32; and transformed the Society’s infrastructure and systems to meet the needs of today’s Society and membership. Reflecting ASHG’s mission and 2019 strategic plan, the Society made significant strides in year-round scientific professional education, public advocacy and policy, scientific publishing, and integration of diversity, equity, and inclusion into all facets of the Society’s scientific and program activities.
“Serving as ASHG CEO has been a deep privilege, working alongside dedicated volunteers and staff to shape ASHG’s bright future, promote the transformative impact of genetic knowledge, and support scientific dialogue to advance discovery and novel applications,” Miller said. “ASHG is in excellent shape programmatically, financially and organizationally and I concluded it is the right time to identify a new leader who will build on this foundation for the next phase of human genetics advances.” Following the transition, Miller plans to take on new advocacy and leadership challenges to support life sciences research, including joining an established consulting practice in 2024.
“Mona has been an exceptional partner to the ASHG Board of Directors as we advance human genetics research and she has led ASHG through both exciting and challenging times while also achieving major organizational goals,” said ASHG President Brendan Lee, MD, PhD. “While we hoped she would continue in this role, we thank Mona for her many contributions, and her dedication to ASHG and its team. The Society is sound and strong, and the ASHG Board looks forward to building on this progress as we identify a new leader for the next era.”
Miller will serve as CEO until November 15 to guide the organization through the ASHG 2023 Annual Meeting and 75th anniversary celebration, and to fully support the transition. ASHG will execute a plan to ensure full continuity through the executive transition. A Search Committee, chaired by President-elect Bruce Gelb, MD, will pursue and select a permanent replacement.
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About the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG)
Founded in 1948, the American Society of Human Genetics is the primary professional membership organization for human genetics specialists worldwide. Its community of nearly 8,000 members include researchers, academicians, clinicians, laboratory practice professionals, genetic counselors, nurses, and others with an interest in human genetics. The Society serves scientists, health professionals, and the public by providing forums to: (1) share research results through the ASHG Annual Meeting and in The American Journal of Human Genetics and Human Genetics and Genomics Advances; (2) advance genetic research by advocating for research support; (3) educate current and future genetics professionals, health care providers, advocates, policymakers, educators, students, and the public about all aspects of human genetics; and (4) promote genetic services and support responsible social and scientific policies. For more information, visit: http://new.ashg.org.
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