ROCKVILLE, Md. — The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG), the world’s preeminent professional organization dedicated to the study and application of human genetics, has officially announced the results of its 2027 leadership elections. As the field of genomics pivots from foundational discovery toward systemic clinical integration, the Society has tapped a cohort of visionaries to steer its strategic trajectory.
Dr. Wendy Chung, a luminary in pediatric genomics and translational research, has been elected as the 2027 ASHG President-elect. Her appointment, alongside four new members of the Board of Directors, marks a significant moment for the Society as it seeks to bridge the gap between bench-side innovation and bedside application.
The New Vanguard: Strengthening Strategic Oversight
The ASHG Board of Directors serves as the governing body responsible for the Society’s mission, fiscal health, and advocacy efforts. The newly elected directors—Dr. Colleen A. Campbell, Dr. Andrew R. Marderstein, Dr. Athena Starlard-Davenport, and Dr. Brooke N. Wolford—will assume their three-year terms on January 1, 2027. Each incoming member brings a distinct expertise, ranging from clinical genetic counseling and AI-driven heart health research to the molecular study of health disparities.
Wendy Chung, MD, PhD: A Visionary for the Future
Dr. Wendy Chung’s election as President-elect is widely viewed as a signal of the Society’s commitment to patient-centered genomic medicine. Currently serving as the Chief of Pediatrics at Boston Children’s Hospital and the Mary Ellen Avery Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Chung is a pioneer in the identification of the genetic basis for rare Mendelian conditions.
Her career has been defined by a relentless drive to move beyond genomic diagnosis to actionable clinical outcomes. With over 60 novel gene discoveries to her name, Dr. Chung is perhaps best known for her work in newborn screening and her advocacy for patients living with autism and congenital anomalies. Her deep-seated history with ASHG—having served on the Board of Directors, as Treasurer, and on the Editorial Board of the American Journal of Human Genetics—provides her with the institutional continuity necessary to lead the Society through the next phase of the genomic revolution.
Professional Profiles: The 2027 Board Cohort
The four incoming board members represent a multidisciplinary approach to modern genetics, highlighting the Society’s goal to incorporate diverse perspectives into its strategic vision.
Dr. Colleen A. Campbell: Bridging the Gap in Clinical Practice
Dr. Campbell, based at the University of Iowa Health Care, is a licensed genetic counselor and molecular geneticist. Her role as Director of Genetic Counseling Operations uniquely positions her to advocate for the "last mile" of genomic medicine: the patient experience. Dr. Campbell is a vocal proponent of integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) responsibly into clinical workflows and is deeply invested in expanding genomic access to rural and underserved populations. Her work at the intersection of health policy and patient advocacy makes her a vital asset for the Society as it navigates the complexities of health equity.
Dr. Andrew R. Marderstein: Computational Genomics and Cancer Biology
A Fellow in the Clinical Genetics Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Dr. Marderstein represents the next generation of leadership in computational genomics. His research focuses on the "machinery" of disease—specifically, how genetic variation translates into oncological risk. By leveraging machine learning, Dr. Marderstein seeks to refine the precision of cancer prevention strategies. His prior leadership within the ASHG Career Development Committee and his tenure as a host for the Trainee Paper Spotlight Podcast underscore his commitment to fostering the growth of early-career investigators.
Dr. Athena Starlard-Davenport: Addressing Health Disparities
Dr. Starlard-Davenport of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center is at the forefront of investigating the molecular basis of health disparities. Her research into sickle cell disease and breast cancer highlights the critical need for genetic studies to reflect human diversity. By investigating genetic modifiers and epigenetic mechanisms, her laboratory works to ensure that precision medicine is not a privilege, but a standard of care for all populations. Her extensive service on ASHG’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Awareness committees signals the Society’s continued focus on making the field more representative of the global population.
Dr. Brooke N. Wolford: Precision Medicine in Global Biobanks
Working as a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellow in Norway, Dr. Wolford brings an international perspective to the Board. Her work with the HUNT AI for Heart Health and the ProtectHearts initiatives utilizes vast population biobanks to revolutionize cardiovascular disease prediction. Her expertise in statistical genetics and bioinformatics provides the Board with a deep understanding of how to manage and interpret large-scale data sets to improve public health outcomes.
Chronology of the 2026 Election Cycle
The selection of the 2027 leadership team was the culmination of a multi-month, member-driven process.
- June 2026: ASHG opened the formal nomination period, calling for candidates who exemplify leadership in research, clinical practice, and advocacy.
- July 2026: The Nominating Committee reviewed a competitive pool of applicants, ensuring a balance of academic, clinical, and diverse professional backgrounds.
- August 2026: ASHG members cast their votes, participating in the democratic process that defines the Society’s culture.
- September 9, 2026: The official public announcement of the results was made, providing the membership with the names of the individuals tasked with guiding the organization starting in 2027.
Supporting Data: The Current Landscape of Genetics
The election of this leadership team occurs at a pivotal moment for the field. According to recent data from the Society, ASHG now represents nearly 8,000 members worldwide. This represents a significant expansion in the last decade, driven by the democratization of sequencing technology and the integration of genomics into primary care.
The inclusion of members like Dr. Marderstein and Dr. Wolford—who specialize in AI and computational methods—reflects a data-driven shift in the industry. As the volume of genomic data grows exponentially, the Society’s focus has transitioned from simply identifying genes to managing the "Big Data" of the human genome. Furthermore, the emphasis on clinical genetic counselors and health policy advocates (like Dr. Campbell) mirrors the broader medical trend of viewing the patient as an active participant in their own genomic journey.
Official Response and Institutional Implications
The appointment of these leaders is not merely a personnel change; it is a strategic repositioning. In a statement released alongside the announcement, ASHG leadership emphasized the need for "responsible innovation."
"The election of these outstanding individuals reflects the breadth of expertise required to meet the challenges of the coming decade," said a spokesperson for the Society. "From the rapid adoption of AI in clinical diagnostics to the imperative of ensuring that genetic research benefits all human populations, this Board is equipped to lead the charge."
The implications for the Society are threefold:
- Policy Advocacy: With the new Board members’ experience in government advocacy, ASHG is expected to increase its footprint in Washington, D.C., and internationally, pushing for policies that support genomic research funding and protect genetic privacy.
- Educational Outreach: The appointment of leaders heavily involved in trainee mentorship suggests an increased focus on the next generation of geneticists. Expect new initiatives aimed at bridging the gap between PhD training and clinical application.
- Equitable Implementation: By prioritizing diversity and the study of health disparities, the new Board is poised to champion the development of polygenic risk scores and diagnostic tools that are validated across diverse ancestral backgrounds, addressing the current "Eurocentric" bias in existing genomic databases.
Conclusion
As the American Society of Human Genetics looks toward 2027, the mandate for the new leadership is clear: to ensure that the scientific progress achieved in the lab is felt in the clinic. With the expertise of Dr. Wendy Chung and her colleagues on the Board, the Society is well-positioned to navigate the ethical, technical, and social complexities of the genomic era.
The transition of power in January 2027 will not only mark the beginning of new terms for these five individuals but also the commencement of a new chapter for the Society—one where innovation is tempered by ethics and guided by a commitment to human health on a global scale. As the industry continues to evolve, the leadership provided by these experts will be essential in translating the language of the genome into a healthier future for all.
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