June 2024
ABRF EBrief
ABRF Colleagues,
We're pleased to share a summary of the recent ABRF Executive Board meeting. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or suggestions for the Executive Board.
- 2024 ABRF Board Election
Julie Auger, Chair of the ABRF Nominating Committee, joined the meeting to review plans for the 2024 Executive Board election. Two current Board members are completing their first term and are eligible to be nominated for a second term. The Nominating Committee will determine these members' interest in being nominated for a second term and work to identify 4 additional candidates for the remaining Board positions.
- ABRF Task Forces Updates
The Grants Readiness Task Force has completed its initial work and determined that ABRF's current structure is not compatible with NIH or NSF grant opportunities. ABRF will continue to evaluate potential grant funding options through private foundations.
- Strategic Plan 2024 and Beyond
The Board reviewed an updated summary of the status of Strategic Plan activities and noted that further streamlining of the report would be helpful. Initial interviews for the update of the Strategic Plan have begun, with additional research to be conducted prior to an in-person Strategic Planning Retreat November 14-15, following the 2024 WACD annual meeting.
- Research Groups/Committees Issues Updates
The Executive Board discussed leadership changes for Research Groups and Committees, including the updated set of Board liaisons. The Education Committee is evaluating a proposal to work with an instructional design group to organize a facilitators workshop for the ABRF Business Skills program, to update the program content and structure. Several opportunities to present the workshop have been suggested for the balance of the year, including in conjunction with regional Chapter meetings and a host institution. The Executive Board noted that the July Board meeting will focus on financial topics, including current and projected financial results, as well as plans to develop the 2025 budget.
The Executive Board congratulated the ABRF Core Rigor and Reproducibility Committee (CCoRRe) on the recent Rigor Champions award from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). ABRF will establish a restricted fund for the Award (close to $8000) and the Committee is considering options for the best use of the Award.
The Executive Board discussed potential term limits for Research Group and Committee members and agreed to share this suggestion with these groups to support succession planning and expand participation. The Board also agreed to a proposed update to the ABRF Chapters' Standard Operating Procedures information to confirm that ABRF will guarantee the principal amount of any Chapter contributions to ABRF investments and retain any investment proceeds. Chapters will be able to access their contributed investment funds if needed.
- ABRF Leadership Development Resources
The Board reviewed a summary of current research related to the environment for all associations and professional societies, including changes in demographics and member expectations. To support continuing education for Executive Board members, ABRF will consider including access to a NonProfit Board Certificate program as part of the 2025 budget. Following the recent Code of Conduct training, additional leadership development resources for other ABRF leaders will be explored as well.
We hope this update is helpful. Please contact me (president@abrf.org) if you have any questions or suggestions for ABRF.
Thank you.
Regards,
Soma
--------------------------------------------
Dr. Thayumanasamy Somasundaram [Soma]
ABRF President