Volunteer With ASM

Position Overview

The ASM Board of Directors (Board) holds ultimate responsibility for all legal, financial and governance matters. Each director is responsible for ensuring that the Board acts in the best interests of the organization over those of any individual or group. The Board also provides direct oversight of the ASM CEO. 

In carrying out its duties, the Board focuses on providing strategic direction for the organization, to help it achieve its mission to promote and advance the microbial sciences. The Board is responsible for setting clear priorities and providing visionary leadership that inspires innovation and positions ASM to shape the future of the microbial sciences.

Election to the Board of Directors is both a high honor and a serious responsibility. Directors are entrusted to serve ASM, its members and its stakeholders with integrity, vision and dedication. Board members are expected to demonstrate exemplary conduct and leadership, reflecting the weight of their position. In accordance with the laws of the District of Columbia, they must uphold the legal duties of care, loyalty and obedience. In addition to the aforementioned duties and responsibilities, the following apply to all members of the Board of Directors: 

• Represent and promote the organization’s mission, goals and values to the public and stakeholders.
• Advocate, support and enhance ASM and its mission.
• Oversee the annual CEO performance evaluation, ensuring the process is fair, constructive and aligned with organizational goals.
• Serve with objectivity, impartiality and ethical integrity, prioritizing the organization’s mission over personal or external interests.
• Be a role model by showing visible leadership and actively participating in ASM Microbe and other Society meetings and events.
• Contribute to the CEO’s performance review.
• Abide by the ASM Bylaws and Code of Ethics.

In addition, there are monthly ASM Executive Committee meetings, which are held virtually. There are additional virtual meetings as needed, as well as the expectation of participation in ASM programs and activities. Additional role-specific commitments can be found in the full position description.

ASM President

Serving as the ASM President results in a 3-year commitment. 

1. President-Elect (Year 1).

2. President (Year 2).

3. Past President (Year 3).

Each term runs from July 1-June 30 of the following year. Each member of the presidential team serves as a member of the ASM Executive Committee, along with the ASM Secretary and ASM Treasurer.

Commitments During the Presidential Term 

• Board of Directors meetings (3 each year):
• A strategic retreat, typically 2-days in late-winter/early spring (in-person).
• A mid-year progress report in conjunction with ASM Microbe (in-person).
• A budget-focused meeting in early December (virtual).
• Monthly meetings with the Executive Committee (virtual).
• Additional virtual meetings, as needed, to discuss time-sensitive matters.
• ASM programs and activities as requested.

The estimated time commitments for the 3 members of the presidential team are detailed in the subsections below.

President

Roles 

• Chair of the ASM Board of Directors.  
• Chair of the Executive Committee.
• Chair the Branch Organization Council.
• Serve as the official spokesperson for ASM, representing ASM in a variety of public and ASM activities and events.
• Collaborate with the CEO to prepare the agenda for Board of Directors and Executive Committee meeting.
• Attend the ASM Microbe meeting and work with the meetings staff to develop the theme for the Presidential Forum.
• Maintain relationships with the volunteer leaders.

Qualities of a Successful President 

• Leadership 
• Lead the Board in fulfilling its governance responsibilities, including setting policies, ensuring accountability and aligning decisions with the organization's mission. 
• Cultivate a strong and transparent working relationship with the Board and CEO and ensure open communication. 
• Lead the Board in reviewing overall strategy and making adjustments as needed.
• Strong diplomatic skills with a natural ability to build relationships, foster collaboration, facilitate dialogue and achieve consensus among diverse stakeholders.
• Bring the Board together to engage in inclusive dialogue and, ultimately, speak with one voice in support of collective decisions. 
• Prior service on the ASM Board of Directors or other boards and committees that required strategic insight, creative problem-solving and thoughtful deliberation. 
• Strategic Vision 
• Set the strategic direction and vision of the ASM in close partnership with the CEO, ensuring that programming and initiatives align with the organization’s mission .
• Provide strategic insight, navigate complexity and make timely, well-informed decisions.
• Serve as an innovative thought leader, guiding the Board in exploring new possibilities, setting priorities and shaping the future of the microbial sciences, while thoughtfully balancing risk, opportunity and reward.
• Working with the Board and other stakeholders, conceptualize and articulate the future state of the microbial sciences and how ASM can advance the profession.
• Inclusive
• Exemplify and uphold the following ASM values: Inclusive and empowering, Integrity with accountability, Science in Service.
• Foster an inclusive Board culture that encourages diversity of thought.
• Champion the value of diversity and different perspectives, remaining open to new ideas, and, when necessary, challenging conventional wisdom.
• Consider perspectives that go beyond simply representing specific groups or constituencies, especially when evaluating ideas and making decisions.  
• Place the organization’s needs above the needs of a specific group or constituency.
• Effective Communication
• Clear and compelling communication.
• Demonstrate confident leadership and presence, with the ability to influence and inspire.
• Remain attuned to the needs and dynamics of the ASM member and volunteer community.

President-Elect

The President-Elect collaborates with the President to learn the role of the President and to become familiar with the governance of ASM, programs and other aspects to ensure a successful officer transition. The President-Elect is a voting member of the Board of Directors and a member of the Executive Committee. The President-Elect serves in place of the President in the President’s absence and will assume the position of President upon completion of their term. 

Because of this, the President-Elect should have the same qualities as the President listed above.   

Roles

• Serve as a Member of the ASM Board of Directors.
• Serve as Member of Executive Committee.
• Substitutes for the President in his/her absence.

 
Past President

The Past President partners and assists the President and the CEO in conducting Board affairs and is a voting member of the Board of Directors.  

Roles

• Serve on the ASM Board of Directors.
• Serve on the Executive Committee.
• Chair the Nominating and Appointments Committee.

Eligibility 

The applicant must be an ASM member in "good standing." A member in good standing is defined as any member who has paid their current dues or is designated as a certified global outreach, emeritus or honorary member, and must abide by the Society's Code of Ethics. 

Application and Selection Process 

ASM President applicants must complete the online application. Applications are reviewed by the ASM Nominating and ASM Appointments Committee, which is chaired by the ASM Past President. Candidates may be asked to hold an interview with members of the Nominating and Appointments Committee. The voting body for this position is the ASM membership. Slate Elections will be held in December. ASM members must be in good standing to be eligible to vote in the election.

Position Overview

The ASM Board of Directors (Board) holds ultimate responsibility for all legal, financial and governance matters. Each director is responsible for ensuring that the Board acts in the best interests of the organization over those of any individual or group. The Board also provides direct oversight of the ASM CEO.  

In carrying out its duties, the Board focuses on providing strategic direction for the organization to help it achieve its mission to promote and advance the microbial sciences. The Board is responsible for setting clear priorities and providing visionary leadership that inspires innovation and positions ASM to shape the future of the microbial sciences. 

Election to the Board of Directors is both a high honor and a serious responsibility. Directors are entrusted to serve ASM, its members and its stakeholders with integrity, vision and dedication. Board members are expected to demonstrate exemplary conduct and leadership, reflecting the weight of their position. In accordance with the laws of the District of Columbia, they must uphold the legal duties of care, loyalty and obedience. In addition to the aforementioned duties and responsibilities, the following apply to all members of the Board of Directors: 

• Represent and promote the organization’s mission, goals and values to the public and stakeholders.
• Advocate, support and enhance ASM and its mission.
• Oversee the annual CEO performance evaluation, ensuring the process is fair, constructive and aligned with organizational goals.
• Serve with objectivity, impartiality and ethical integrity, prioritizing the organization’s mission over personal or external interests.
• Be a role model by showing visible leadership and actively participating in ASM Microbe and other society meetings and events.
• Contribute to the CEO’s performance review.
• Abide by the ASM Bylaws and Code of Ethics.

Commitments During the At-Large Director Term 

At-Large Directors shall be elected for a 3-year term, with term years starting on July 1 and ending on June 30. Directors may serve 2, 3-year terms, unless they are elected to be an officer of the organization.

The estimated time commitments for the At-Large Director are detailed below.  

• Board of Directors meetings (3 each year):
• A strategic retreat, typically 2-days in late winter/early spring (in-person).
• A mid-year progress report in conjunction with ASM Microbe (in-person).
• A budget-focused meeting in early December (virtual).
• Additional virtual meetings as needed to discuss time-sensitive matters.
• ASM programs and activities as requested.

Additional role-specific commitments can be found in the full position description.

Qualities of a Successful At-Large Director 

• Leadership
• Fulfill the Board’s governance responsibilities, including setting policies, ensuring accountability and aligning decisions with the organization's mission.
• Review the organization’s overall strategy and make adjustments, as needed.
• Engage in inclusive dialogue and ultimately speak with one voice in support of collective decisions.
• Strategic Vision
• Set the strategic direction and vision of ASM in close partnership with the CEO, ensuring that programming and initiatives align with the organization’s mission.
• Provide strategic insight, navigate complexity and make timely, well-informed decisions.
• Serve as an innovative thought leader, exploring new possibilities, setting priorities and shaping the future of the microbial sciences while thoughtfully balancing risk, opportunity and reward.
• Conceptualize and articulate the future state of the microbial sciences and how ASM can advance the profession.
• Inclusive
• Exemplify and uphold the following ASM values: Inclusive and empowering, Integrity with accountability, Science in Service.
• Champion the value of diversity and different perspectives, remaining open to new ideas, and, when necessary, challenging conventional wisdom.
• Consider perspectives that go beyond simply representing specific groups or constituencies, especially when evaluating ideas and making decisions.
• Place the organization’s needs above the needs of a specific group or constituency.
• Effective Communication
• Serve as an ambassador for ASM by engaging with members, volunteers and external stakeholders, helping to strengthen connections between the Board and the broader community.
• Remain attuned to the needs and dynamics of the ASM member and volunteer community.

Eligibility 

The applicant must be an ASM member in "good standing." A member in good standing is defined as any member who has paid their current dues or is designated as a certified global outreach, emeritus or honorary member, and must abide by the Society's Code of Ethics. 

Application and Selection Process 

Applicants must complete the online application. Applications are reviewed by the ASM Nominating and ASM Appointments Committee, which is chaired by the ASM Past President. Candidates may be asked to hold an interview with members of the Nominating and Appointments Committee. The voting body for this position is the ASM membership. Slate Elections will be held in December. ASM members must be in good standing to be eligible to vote in the election.

Position Overview

The ASM Health Scientific Advisory Council provides strategic advice to help shape the future scientific direction of the unit. SAC members will work in close partnership with the ASM Health Scientific Unit Director and Chair on emerging scientific opportunities, priorities and partnerships to help ASM shape the future of microbial sciences. While individual members will bring specific expertise, the SAC members must also demonstrate a broad vision and a commitment to advancing the microbial sciences comprehensively. They provide external perspectives and connections to help advance ASM priorities and strengthen collaboration across the scientific units, with operational work being conducted through working groups, task forces and collaborations with other ASM departments.

As a member of SAC, you will:

• Advise ASM on scientific priorities and emerging opportunities in alignment with ASM’s Strategic Framework.
• Provide expert insight into trends, challenges and partnerships. 
• Foster connections across academia, industry, government and global communities.
• Support ASM initiatives and working groups when relevant to your expertise.
• Engage and empower the broader microbiology community to contribute toward shared goals and impact.

Commitment

SAC members are expected to:

• Attend 1 annual in-person meeting, with up to a 3-day commitment (supported by ASM). 
• Participate in 3 virtual meetings per year and email reviews between meetings. The expected time commitment for these meetings is 6-8 hours in total, including meeting preparation, attendance and follow-up. 
• Estimated total annual commitment: 60-80 hours.
• Participate in working groups or initiatives when relevant to your expertise and interest.

Active Participation Expectations

• Strategic Guidance 
• Advise the ASM Health Unit Director and Chair on scientific priorities, emerging opportunities and challenges. 
• Provide perspective on scientific trends and identify areas where ASM can have a meaningful impact.
• Help shape strategic direction and recommend actions aligned with ASM’s goals.
• Collaboration
• Contribute expertise and engage constructively with fellow SAC members.
• Identify opportunities for collaboration across disciplines, sectors and organizations, including beyond traditional microbiology spaces.
• Build strategic relationships with relevant experts, partners and stakeholder communities. 
• Partner and Community Engagement
• Serve as an ambassador for ASM and the scientific unit by engaging with ASM members, partners and the broad scientific community.
• Forge partnerships that extend the scientific unit’s mission and impact by shaping the future of the field beyond what ASM can achieve alone.
• Participation 
• Attend and actively contribute to SAC meetings.
• Review materials and provide feedback between meetings as needed.
• Participate in working groups, initiatives or advisory activities when relevant to their expertise.

Additional role-specific commitments can be found in the full position description.

Eligibility 

Applicants must be ASM members in good standing or agree to become ASM members before the election. All SAC members must comply with ASM’s Code of Ethics and Conduct.

Application/Selection Process

SAC members must complete the online application during ASM’s open call process. Submissions will be reviewed by the ASM Nominating and Appointments Committee and presented to the ASM Board of Directors. Finalists will be subject to a vote by ASM members in good standing.

Position Overview

The ASM AEM Scientific Advisory Council provides strategic advice to help shape the future scientific direction of the unit. SAC members will work in close partnership with the ASM AEM Scientific Unit Director and Chair on emerging scientific opportunities, priorities and partnerships to help ASM shape the future of microbial sciences. While individual members will bring specific expertise, the SAC members must also demonstrate a broad vision and a commitment to advancing the microbial sciences comprehensively. They provide external perspectives and connections to help advance ASM priorities and strengthen collaboration across the scientific units, with operational work being conducted through working groups, task forces and collaborations with other ASM departments.

As a member of SAC, you will:

• Advise ASM on scientific priorities and emerging opportunities in alignment with ASM’s Strategic Framework.
• Provide expert insight into trends, challenges and partnerships.
• Foster connections across academia, industry, government and global communities.
• Support ASM initiatives and working groups when relevant to your expertise.
• Engage and empower the broader microbiology community to contribute toward shared goals and impact.

Commitment

SAC members are expected to:

• Attend 1 annual in-person meeting, with up to a 3-day commitment (supported by ASM). 
• Participate in 3 virtual meetings per year and email reviews between meetings. The expected time commitment for these meetings is 6-8 hours in total, including meeting preparation, attendance and follow-up. 
• Estimated total annual commitment: 60-80 hours.
• Participate in working groups or initiatives when relevant to your expertise and interest.

Active Participation Expectations

• Strategic Guidance 
• Advise the ASM AEM Scientific Unit Director and Chair on scientific priorities, emerging opportunities and challenges. 
• Provide perspective on scientific trends and identify areas where ASM can have a meaningful impact.
• Help shape strategic direction and recommend actions aligned with ASM’s goals.
• Collaboration
• Contribute expertise and engage constructively with fellow SAC members.
• Identify opportunities for collaboration across disciplines, sectors and organizations, including beyond traditional microbiology spaces.
• Build strategic relationships with relevant experts, partners and stakeholder communities. 
• Partner and Community Engagement
• Serve as an ambassador for ASM and the scientific unit by engaging with ASM members, partners and the broad scientific community.
• Forge partnerships that extend the scientific unit’s mission and impact by shaping the future of the field beyond what ASM can achieve alone.
• Participation 
• Attend and actively contribute to SAC meetings.
• Review materials and provide feedback between meetings as needed.
• Participate in working groups, initiatives or advisory activities when relevant to their expertise.

Additional role-specific commitments can be found in the full position description.

Eligibility 

Applicants must be ASM members in good standing or agree to become ASM members before the election. All SAC members must comply with ASM’s Code of Ethics and Conduct.

Application/Selection Process

SAC members must complete the online application during ASM’s open call process. Submissions will be reviewed by the ASM Nominating and Appointments Committee and presented to the ASM Board of Directors. Finalists will be subject to a vote by ASM members in good standing.

Position Overview

The Division C listserv is a highly popular listserv sponsored by the American Society for Microbiology (ASM). The listserv audience is anyone interested in clinical or public health microbiology. Listserv members may come from any level of experience or professional background, including laboratory work, industry, academia and other related fields. The goal of the Division C listserv is to improve communication among clinical and public health microbiology laboratories and ultimately, improve patient care.

Commitment

• 3 years (renewable indefinitely).
• 2 hours per month.

Moderator Roles and Responsibilities

• Reviews and responds to approval requests for withheld emails, typically due to message size limits or because the sender’s account is set to moderated.
  • Allowable message size with Simplelists is 20MB.
  • Moderator can view the message before approving.
  • Note that requests for posting non-ASM activities on the listserv (e.g., non-ASM meeting announcements) should be forwarded to the ASM CPHM office at clinmicro@asmusa.org.
• Ensures compliance with the ASM listserv guidelines and rules of etiquette—Listserv Guidelines (bylaws).
• Serves as the listserv liaison to ASM, when needed, and engages the Division C IT oversight person at ASM to help resolve listserv communication issues.
• Encourages member participation on the listserv. Division C members want to see all responses, so the moderator(s) may need to remind users to respond through the listserv and not by personal email.

Eligibility

• Must be an ASM member.
  • Contributing, Premium or Emeritus.
• Must currently work, or have recently (within the last 5 years) worked, in clinical or public health microbiology, academic, industry or other fields related to diagnostic microbiology.
• Must be willing to actively participate in the Division C listserv.
• Applicants must reside in the U.S. 

Apply Now