ROCKVILLE, MD — The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG), the world’s premier professional organization dedicated to the advancement of genomic science, announced on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, the results of its annual leadership elections. In a move that signals a renewed focus on translational medicine, equity in healthcare, and the integration of artificial intelligence, the Society has named Dr. Wendy Chung as its 2027 President-Elect.
The election results, which include the appointment of four new members to the Board of Directors, mark a pivotal moment for the organization as it looks to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of clinical genomics. The newly elected cohort is set to assume their duties on January 1, 2027, bringing a diverse array of expertise ranging from pediatric clinical genetics and public policy to bioinformatics and health disparities.
The Path to Leadership: Wendy Chung’s Vision
Dr. Wendy Chung, currently serving as the Chief of Pediatrics at Boston Children’s Hospital and the Mary Ellen Avery Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, is widely regarded as a trailblazer in the field of human genetics. Her elevation to the position of ASHG President-Elect is the culmination of a career defined by the successful translation of laboratory discoveries into tangible patient outcomes.
Dr. Chung’s research portfolio is as vast as it is impactful. She has been credited with identifying the genetic basis of more than 60 novel Mendelian conditions, providing long-sought answers to families suffering from rare, undiagnosed diseases. Beyond her academic research, she has spearheaded monumental studies in newborn screening, autism, and congenital anomalies, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in clinical diagnostics.
A Legacy of Service
Dr. Chung is no stranger to the inner workings of the ASHG. Her previous service to the Society is extensive, encompassing roles on the Board of Directors, as Treasurer-Elect and Treasurer, and as a key contributor to the Government and Public Advocacy Committee. Furthermore, her tenure on the Editorial Board of the American Journal of Human Genetics (AJHG) has provided her with a profound understanding of the scientific publishing ecosystem, a vital asset for the incoming president of a society that produces two of the field’s most influential journals.
Strengthening the Board: A Diverse New Cohort
While Dr. Chung will lead the Society, the newly elected Board members—Colleen A. Campbell, Andrew R. Marderstein, Athena Starlard-Davenport, and Brooke N. Wolford—are expected to play an equally vital role in steering the Society’s strategic vision. These individuals represent a cross-section of the next generation of leadership in genetics.
Colleen A. Campbell, PhD, MS, LGC
As the Director of Genetic Counseling Operations for University of Iowa Health Care, Dr. Campbell brings a focus on the practical implementation of genomic medicine. Her work centers on expanding patient access through innovative service delivery models and the responsible integration of AI into health systems. Her experience at the intersection of clinical care, laboratory operations, and legislative policy will be instrumental in the Board’s ongoing discussions regarding precision medicine and rural health equity.
Andrew R. Marderstein, PhD
A Fellow in the Clinical Genetics Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Dr. Marderstein represents the infusion of computational power into the clinical setting. His research leverages machine learning and population genetics to decode the mechanisms of disease. Having served as co-chair of the ASHG Career Development Committee, he is uniquely positioned to advocate for the needs of the Society’s younger members, ensuring that the next generation of geneticists remains well-supported.
Athena Starlard-Davenport, PhD
Dr. Starlard-Davenport, an Associate Professor at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, brings a critical focus on health disparities. Her research into sickle cell disease and the molecular basis of breast cancer disparities underscores the importance of diversity in genomic research. Her past leadership in the Society’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Awareness Committee suggests that she will be a key voice in ensuring that the benefits of the genomic revolution are equitably distributed across all populations.
Brooke N. Wolford, PhD
Based at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Dr. Wolford provides a global perspective to the Board. Her work as a principal investigator on large-scale projects like ProtectHearts and HUNT AI highlights her expertise in using population biobanks to improve cardiovascular disease prediction. Her transition from research in Norway to the ASHG Board reflects the Society’s commitment to international collaboration.
Chronology: The Evolution of ASHG Governance
The election process, which concluded in early September 2026, followed a rigorous months-long campaign of nomination and review.
- Spring 2026: Call for nominations for the ASHG Board of Directors and President-Elect.
- Summer 2026: Review of candidates by the nominating committee, focusing on scientific contributions, service to the society, and strategic vision.
- August 2026: Voting period for the membership of nearly 8,000 professionals.
- September 9, 2026: Formal announcement of the election results, including the President-Elect and the four incoming Board members.
- January 1, 2027: Official commencement of the three-year term for the new Board members.
Implications for the Future of Genomics
The election of this specific leadership group arrives at a time of profound change. The field of genomics is currently grappling with three major challenges: the integration of Artificial Intelligence, the ethical implications of large-scale biobanking, and the imperative to diversify genomic datasets.
Bridging the Lab and the Clinic
With Dr. Campbell’s expertise in service delivery and Dr. Marderstein’s computational focus, the Society is signaling a move toward "operationalizing" genomics. The goal is to move beyond discovery and toward a model where genetic insights are standard, efficient, and accessible components of routine primary care.
A Global and Inclusive Mandate
Dr. Starlard-Davenport’s inclusion on the Board is a strong endorsement of the Society’s ongoing commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). By focusing on the genetic disparities that plague minority populations, the Board aims to ensure that the precision medicine of the future is not a luxury for the few, but a standard for all.
Mentorship and Sustainability
The involvement of Dr. Marderstein, who has served as a host for the Trainee Paper Spotlight podcast, highlights the Society’s dedication to the professional development of early-career researchers. As the field becomes increasingly complex, the need for robust mentorship programs and career development resources is higher than ever.
Official Responses and Society Mission
The ASHG, which represents nearly 8,000 members worldwide, continues to serve as the leading voice for genetics and genomics. The organization’s mission—to drive progress in understanding the human genome and its role in health and disease—remains the guiding principle for these new appointees.
In a brief statement following the announcement, ASHG leadership noted that they are "deeply appreciative of the outgoing Board members who have dedicated years of service to the Society." These departing members have navigated the organization through the post-pandemic recovery and the emergence of revolutionary gene-editing technologies.
As the society prepares for its transition, the message from the leadership is clear: the future of genomics lies in the successful marriage of technological innovation and public trust. Through its flagship events, such as the ASHG Annual Meeting, and its journals, The American Journal of Human Genetics and Human Genetics and Genomics Advances, the Society is positioned to remain at the epicenter of scientific discourse.
Conclusion
As 2027 approaches, the American Society of Human Genetics stands on the precipice of a new era. Under the leadership of Dr. Wendy Chung and a newly energized Board of Directors, the organization is poised to tackle the most pressing questions in human biology. Whether it is through uncovering the mysteries of rare Mendelian conditions or leveraging AI to predict heart disease in global populations, the incoming leadership is prepared to ensure that the science of today serves the patients of tomorrow.
For more information on the Society’s strategic initiatives and to learn more about the incoming Board of Directors, visit the official ASHG website at www.ashg.org.
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