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Board of Directors June 12, 2020 Meeting Summary

The June 12, 2020 Board meeting focused largely on the future of our Federation – through discussion and approval of strategic initiatives and generative work to influence a multi-year financial plan.

The meeting kicked off with a discussion and approval of an integrated, three-part, program of investment in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). This plan provides support for FASEB’s DEI Committee, staffing, and initiatives over the next 2-3 years. The DEI Committee will recommend such programs to the Board for approval, with the intent for most funding to flow to/through member societies (such as underrepresented minority trainee focused travel grants replacing the discontinued MARC/IPERT programs). This initial investment would provide funding for near-term actions and allow FASEB’s Development program time to secure funding for sustained activities.

The Board also approved funding these strategic initiatives:

  • Geohealth – identify and establish collaborative relationships/agreements with other broad-based societies, federations, and private and government institutions such as NIH and NSF; develop programs to facilitate the scientific process such as meetings, publications, and data and methods integration—perhaps eventually resulting in new coalitions or federations being formed.
  • Technology – focused on externally facing technological improvements, including the FASEB website, new electronic infrastructure for Meetings and Conferences, and the development of a Public Affairs Resource Portal.
  • Data Management and Education – analysis of short- and long-term opportunities to influence policy development related to data management and education; development of strategy and process for prioritizing opportunities to be further developed by FASEB; and the identification of potential federal agency and stakeholder partners.

The Board also discussed several operational issues. The Board agreed that all remaining governance meetings in 2020 will be held virtually and approved an Investment Policy Statement that will guide how FASEB’s reserves are invested.

The Board concluded with recognition of Board members ending their terms on June 30: Joan Richtsmeier, PhD (AAA); C. Robert Matthews, PhD (ASBMB); Lee Niswander, PhD (SDB); and Chester A. Ray (Treasurer). Hannah V. Carey formally passed the presidency to Louis B. Justement (official on July 1, 2020), and the Board expressed their heartfelt appreciation for Immediate Past President, James M. Musser.