Purpose of the Webinar
- To increase awareness about leadership opportunities within the American Society of Pediatric Nephrology (ASPN).
- To explain the process for nominating or self-nominating for ASPN Council, the Nominating Committee, and Committee/Interest Group leadership roles.
- To respond to survey feedback indicating that members find leadership pathways unclear.
Speaker: Jodi Smith, MD
Leadership Opportunities
1. Committee and Interest Group Leadership
- Open to all ASPN members at any time; no formal selection process is required to join.
- Members can attend meetings listed in Kidney Briefs or on the ASPN website.
- Committees are more structured and tied to ASPN’s core functions (e.g., education, workforce, research).
- Interest Groups are more informal and member-driven (e.g., hypertension, renal genetics).
- Leadership roles (Chair/Co-Chair) typically arise through consistent participation and volunteering.
2. ASPN Council
- Composed of Executive Council (President, President-Elect, Secretary, Treasurer) and Councilors-at-Large.
- Council meets monthly via Zoom and in person at PAS and ASN meetings.
- Councilors serve four-year terms.
- Councilors also act as liaisons to various committees and contribute to ASPN strategic planning.
- Involves building and maintaining relationships with corporate partners, a critical funding source for ASPN.
3. Nominating Committee
- Five members plus the Past President (Chair).
- Responsible for preparing the slate for Council and Secretary elections.
- Two open positions, elected by ASPN members.
- Four-year term.
- Members must be nominated (self or by a colleague).
4. Secretary (Executive Council)
- Must have prior experience on the ASPN Council.
- Seven-year leadership track:
- Secretary (2 years)
- President-Elect (2 years)
- President (2 years)
- Past President (1 year)
- Significant time commitment and leadership responsibility.
5. Leadership Development Program (LDP)
- An 18-month leadership training program.
- Includes in-person meetings at PAS and ASN.
- Next application cycle opens in October; applications due in January.
Nomination Details
- Deadline: August 20
- Nominate yourself or a colleague via the online form.
- Required materials:
- Statement of interest (informal, ½ page is sufficient)
- CV
- Nomination letter (if nominating someone else)
- Self-nominations are common and encouraged.
Additional Notes
- Participation in ASPN activities (committees, interest groups) is important for future leadership consideration.
- Previous involvement helps prepare candidates for Council responsibilities.
- Members can join committees directly through their member profile or by emailing committee chairs.
- Committee involvement is highly flexible—any level of participation is welcome.
- Public Policy Committee involvement is particularly useful for those considering Executive roles.
