Chris’ Presidential Statement

Commitment: Strengthen the connections between members, science and technology, industry, other professional societies, and the public, in order to secure ACS for future generations of chemists.

Vision: The ACS will be a dynamic, collaborative and unifying leader in all sectors of the chemistry enterprise.

ACS at 150: Connecting for our Future Success

ACS is celebrating its 150th anniversary, a testament to its mission, vision, and dedicated volunteers who have kept the Society forward-looking and relevant. As ACS President, my platform focuses on strengthening connections between our science, all members, and the public to secure ACS for future generations of chemists.

The scientific framework in the U.S. is in a state of flux. I believe it is crucial to advocate for ACS’s Mission, Goals, and Core Values, emphasizing scientific education, research, innovation, and investment. I am committed to providing leadership, aligned with the Society’s work, to bring the full power of the ACS President to the national dialogue on the scientific enterprise.

Additionally, I will pursue three objectives to ensure ACS’s long-term sustainability:

First: Accelerate Interdisciplinary Connections and Collaboration: This objective will expand ACS’s global impact by leveraging interdisciplinary experiences that many of us have had! The world’s most pressing problems are global and multi-disciplinary, and ACS can lead by enabling industry, academia, and government connectivity, both domestically and globally, to drive advancements and bring solutions to global challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration.

Second: Expansion of Industry Engagement: I believe that industry involvement is fundamental for ACS’s future, transforming academic discoveries and employing large numbers of chemists. Industry expertise is vital for solving global problems. The Board Industry Task Force that I led and subsequent Board progress identified opportunities to increase industry engagement across ACS. I will continue these efforts to deliver relevant services to industry members globally.

Third: Chemistry in the Arts: A Powerful Connection to the Public. Many in ACS have recognized that the Arts is a universal language that creates common ground between chemistry and the public. Chemistry educators, local sections and regional meetings have leveraged the arts as an innovative way to educate the public about chemistry. Connecting this knowledge across the ACS will produce a “Chemistry in the Arts” platform that any section, division, or chapter could use. I’m excited to pursue this public outreach during my Presidential service.

Working together across ACS, you can count on my leadership to be a strong voice for the scientific enterprise, to champion interdisciplinary collaboration, expand industry engagement, and establish the “Chemistry in the Arts” platform.

My 40-year career at the intersection of industry, academia, and ACS has prepared me to lead our great organization, forging connections and collaborations for the future. My commitment to you is to utilize my knowledge and experience for the benefit of all ACS governance, membership, and staff. Your vote will allow me to serve, and I appreciate your consideration.