Committees
Membership Committee
Co-Chair(s): Penney Gilbert & Doug Millay
Members: TBA
The Membership Committee manages the Society’s membership lifecycle, from initial applications through annual renewals and ongoing member engagement. Committee members review new membership applications to ensure candidates meet established eligibility requirements, verify credentials and endorsements, and make membership decisions based on the Society’s standards and bylaws. The committee oversees the renewal process for existing members, monitors membership categories and dues structures, and handles membership transfers, changes in status, and appeals processes. Additionally, the committee maintains accurate membership records, develops strategies to attract qualified new members, and works to retain current members by addressing concerns and ensuring the membership experience meets the Society’s mission and values.
Nominations Committee
Chair (Immediate Past President): Alessandra Sacco
Members: TBA
The Nominations Committee is responsible for identifying and putting forward candidates for the Society’s Board of Directors elections. It is chaired by the Immediate Past President. Recommendations for Director nominees may be submitted by Members, incumbent Directors, or any other interested persons. The Committee reviews these recommendations and compiles a slate of nominees. The Board gives primary consideration to this slate when finalizing the candidates. The final slate of candidates is then presented to the Members whose vote determines who is elected to the Board of Directors.
Award Committee
Co-Chair(s): Jeff Dilworth
Members: TBA
The Awards Committee serves as the steward of our society’s recognition programs, ensuring that our most prestigious honors are awarded through a fair, transparent, and rigorous selection process. Committee members are responsible for soliciting nominations, establishing evaluation criteria, reviewing candidate submissions, and conducting thorough assessments of nominees’ qualifications and contributions. The committee coordinates the peer review process, facilitates deliberations among evaluators, and makes final recommendations for award recipients that are then reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors. Additionally, the committee maintains the integrity of the awards program by updating selection guidelines as needed, overseeing the timeline for each award cycle, and ensuring that all proceedings remain confidential until official announcements are made.
Education Committee
Co-Chair(s): Robert Krauss
Members: TBA
The Education Committee drives the society’s educational mission through comprehensive communication and public engagement initiatives. Committee members produce and distribute the annual society newsletter, ensuring members stay informed about scientific advances, society activities, and member achievements within the field. The committee develops authoritative position statements on key issues affecting the discipline, providing expert guidance to policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the scientific community. Additionally, the committee spearheads public engagement efforts to raise awareness about the field’s importance, coordinates educational outreach programs, and creates resources that translate complex scientific concepts for diverse audiences including patients, families, and the general public.
Mentorship Committee
Co-Chair(s): Clarissa Henry
Members: TBA
The Mentorship Committee fosters the professional growth and development of muscle researchers at all career stages through structured support programs and career guidance initiatives. The Mentoring Committee of the Society for Muscle Biology is dedicated to fostering the professional growth and development of muscle researchers at all career stages. Through structured mentorship programs, personalized guidance, and community-building initiatives, the Committee strives to cultivate an inclusive and supportive environment that empowers members to thrive within the muscle biology community. The committee also serves as a primary liaison with MyoNYR, the Society’s student-led subgroup, ensuring seamless communication between student members and the broader society while supporting student-initiated projects, events, and educational activities that align with the Society’s mission.
Steering Committee
Members: David J. Glass, Alessandra Sacco, Penney Gilbert, Douglas Millay
The Steering Committee provides strategic leadership and governance oversight for the society, serving as the primary decision-making body between board meetings. Committee members are the Society Officers who are responsible for developing and implementing the society’s strategic vision, overseeing operational policies, and ensuring fiscal responsibility through budget oversight and financial planning. The committee addresses urgent matters requiring immediate attention, and represents the Society’s interests in external partnerships and collaborations. Additionally, the Steering Committee evaluates the Society’s performance against established goals, and makes recommendations for organizational improvements and policy changes to support the Society’s mission.