ROCKVILLE, MD — In a pivotal development for the global scientific community, the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) has officially announced the results of its 2027 leadership elections. As the field of genomics pivots from foundational discovery to clinical application, the society has tapped a cohort of visionaries to steer its strategic trajectory.
Wendy Chung, MD, PhD—a luminary in clinical genetics and a tireless advocate for patient-centered research—has been named the 2027 ASHG President-elect. Her election, confirmed by the society on September 9, 2026, signals a definitive commitment to translating complex genomic data into tangible, life-saving clinical interventions. Alongside Dr. Chung, the society has appointed four new members to its Board of Directors: Colleen A. Campbell, PhD, MS, LGC; Andrew R. Marderstein, PhD; Athena Starlard-Davenport, PhD; and Brooke N. Wolford, PhD.
These appointments, effective January 1, 2027, arrive at a time when the integration of artificial intelligence, population-scale biobanking, and equity-focused research are fundamentally reshaping the landscape of medicine.
The New Guard: Leadership Profiles
The incoming leadership team represents a diverse cross-section of the genetics ecosystem, spanning from pediatric clinical care to computational biology and public health policy.
Wendy Chung: Bridging the Gap from Genome to Bedside
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, brings an unparalleled track record to the ASHG presidency. Her career has been defined by the pursuit of the "diagnostic odyssey"—the grueling journey patients with rare conditions often face.
Dr. Chung’s work has led to the identification of the genetic underpinnings of more than 60 novel Mendelian conditions. By prioritizing the translation of genomic insights into earlier, more precise risk assessments, she has transformed the standard of care for congenital anomalies and autism. Her tenure as President-elect will likely emphasize the acceleration of newborn screening programs and the democratization of precision medicine for rare disease populations.
Colleen A. Campbell: The Architect of Clinical Integration
Dr. Colleen A. Campbell’s election to the Board of Directors highlights the society’s focus on the "last mile" of genetics: the clinic. As the Director of Genetic Counseling Operations at the University of Iowa Health Care, Dr. Campbell occupies a unique vantage point. Her expertise lies in the friction points between laboratory findings and patient outcomes. Her focus on integrating AI responsibly into health policy and rural health initiatives is seen as a critical asset for the society’s advocacy arm.
Andrew R. Marderstein: The Computational Strategist
Representing the next generation of genomic pioneers, Dr. Andrew R. Marderstein brings a deep technical background to the Board. A Fellow in the Clinical Genetics Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Dr. Marderstein specializes in the intersection of computational genomics and machine learning. His research aims to decode the mechanisms linking genetic variation to cancer susceptibility, a vital step in moving from reactive to proactive oncology.
Athena Starlard-Davenport: Championing Diversity and Equity
Dr. Athena Starlard-Davenport, Associate Professor at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, brings a wealth of experience in addressing health disparities. Her work on sickle cell disease and the molecular basis of breast cancer disparities provides the Board with a necessary focus on health equity. Her long-standing service on the ASHG’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Awareness Committee ensures that the society’s future initiatives will remain grounded in the ethical imperative to serve diverse populations.
Brooke N. Wolford: Global Perspectives in Precision Medicine
Dr. Brooke N. Wolford, a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellow based in Norway, represents the international reach of ASHG. Her leadership in utilizing Nordic population biobanks for heart disease prediction underscores the power of international collaboration. Her appointment suggests that the ASHG will continue to advocate for global data-sharing standards and cross-border research initiatives.
Chronology of the 2027 Election Cycle
The election process, which concluded in early September 2026, was the culmination of a rigorous, year-long vetting process overseen by the ASHG nominating committee.
- Q1 2026: The ASHG Nominating Committee begins the solicitation of candidates, prioritizing leadership experience, scientific contributions, and a commitment to the society’s core pillars: advocacy, education, and research excellence.
- Q2 2026: Candidates are vetted, and official slates are finalized for member review.
- Summer 2026: Members of the ASHG—a global body of nearly 8,000 researchers, clinicians, and genetic counselors—cast their ballots.
- September 9, 2026: The ASHG officially announces the results at 2:00 PM U.S. Eastern Time, setting the stage for the transition of power.
- January 1, 2027: The new Board of Directors and the President-elect assume their official duties, beginning their three-year term.
Implications for the Future of Genomics
The composition of this new Board of Directors is not accidental; it reflects a strategic alignment with the most pressing challenges in the field today.
The Rise of AI in Clinical Workflows
The inclusion of experts like Drs. Campbell and Marderstein points to a significant strategic pivot toward computational health. As genomic datasets grow exponentially in size, the ability to derive clinical utility from this information via artificial intelligence is no longer an academic exercise—it is a clinical necessity. The new board will be tasked with creating frameworks for how AI can be used to interpret patient data without compromising privacy or exacerbating existing biases.
Addressing Health Inequities
For too long, the "genomics revolution" has been criticized for being skewed toward populations of European ancestry. The leadership of Dr. Starlard-Davenport and the institution-wide initiatives of Dr. Chung suggest that the ASHG is doubling down on its commitment to inclusive science. By focusing on sickle cell disease and Mendelian conditions across diverse backgrounds, the board is signaling that the benefits of precision medicine must be universal, not exclusive.
Advocacy and Policy
ASHG has historically functioned as a powerful lobby for federal funding and ethical genetic policy. With the appointment of board members who serve on the front lines of genetic counseling and cancer centers, the society is well-positioned to engage with federal regulators, such as the NIH and FDA, on the complexities of genetic testing, patenting, and insurance coverage.
Official Perspective: Strengthening the Society’s Mission
In a statement following the announcement, ASHG representatives underscored the importance of this leadership transition. The society has spent the last decade positioning itself as the "leading global organization advancing the science of human genetics and genomics."
The new board inherits a stable organization, yet one facing a rapidly shifting landscape. With its flagship publications, The American Journal of Human Genetics and Human Genetics and Genomics Advances, the society remains the primary clearinghouse for high-impact genomic research. The new leadership’s task will be to ensure that these platforms remain relevant in an era of preprint servers and open-access pressures.
Furthermore, the board is expected to prioritize the development of the next generation of scientists. By supporting trainees through programs like the Trainee Paper Spotlight Podcast—which Dr. Marderstein helped host—the board is investing in the human infrastructure of the field.
Conclusion: A New Era of Genomic Responsibility
The 2027 ASHG leadership slate is defined by a blend of clinical expertise, computational prowess, and a deep-seated commitment to equity. As these leaders prepare to take the helm, they do so with the mandate of a global community that is increasingly looking toward the genome to solve the most intractable medical mysteries of our time.
From the research laboratory to the patient’s bedside, the decisions made by Dr. Chung and her colleagues on the Board of Directors will have far-reaching implications. As the field moves toward a future where every patient’s medical care could be informed by their unique genetic makeup, the American Society of Human Genetics has positioned itself to be the compass for that journey.
The society’s members, representing nearly 8,000 of the world’s brightest scientific minds, have chosen a team that is not only capable of interpreting the code of life but is also dedicated to the ethical, equitable, and responsible application of that knowledge for the betterment of humanity. As 2027 approaches, the global scientific community will be watching closely to see how this new leadership shapes the next chapter of human genetics.
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