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​Professional Development Committee​

Purpose

The Professional Development Committee is committed to equipping APS members at every career stage, including those undergoing professional transitions, with the resources and training they need to thrive and advance within the field of plant pathology.

Charge​

There is a growing need to identify and address the professional development needs of APS members and plant pathologists across different career stages with particular focus on times of professional transition. Professional transitions encompass a broad range of changes and adaptations individuals undergo during their careers. These may include changing jobs or employers, shifting roles within an organization, assuming additional or expanded responsibilities, embracing leadership positions, integrating new technologies or processes into their work, adapting to new forms of collaboration with colleagues or researchers, and responding to systemic changes in education, teaching, or industry practices. Such transitions reflect the dynamic nature of careers and require continuous learning, flexibility, and resilience to navigate successfully. 

The group will focus on identifying career transition needs and possible programming options.  ​

Composition and Terms

Chair, Vice Chair, and Immediate Past Chair are sequential, for a total 5-year commitment from Vice Chair to Immediate Past Chair.​

• Chair (2 year term) 
  

• Vice Chair (2 year term)
  

• Immediate Past Chair (1 year term immediately following chair​ term serving as ex officio, non-voting)​
  

• 6-8 committee members representative of the society from academia, government, and industry/private sectors. Committee members serve staggered 3-year terms and shall not serve more than two consecutive terms. ​

• Councilor-at-Large Liaison ​(ex-officio, non-voting)​

• APS staff liaison (ex-officio, non-voting)​

Appointments

• The committee will put forward their recommendation for vice chair to APS Council for appointment approval. 
  

• Committee members select/approve the appointment of incoming members selected from a call for volunteers or self nominations. ​
  

Additional Duties​

• The Chair leads the group to ensure programs are aligned with the group's purpose and charge. 

• The Chair prepares and submits an annual report of activities to APS Council.

• The Vice Chair supports the Chair and assists with coordinating meetings and drafting reports and other communications.

• ​The Immediate Past Chair provides the Chair all past documentation and resources in their possession to continue with initiatives and participates in meetings as needed to transition ongoing initiatives to the new Chair. 

• Members are expected to participate actively in scheduled meetings and or discussions via virtual/electronic means, and to respond in a timely manner to requests for input and information regarding activities. 
  

• Members are encouraged to bring forward new and creative ideas that align with the charge and initiatives from APS Council. Members will be called upon to assist with coordination and execution of activities.​