February 2024 Spotlight: Judy Giordan
Judy Giordan, Managing Director at ecosVC Inc, has been volunteering with ACS since ~1990. Judy is the 2023 ACS President.
In this Member Volunteer Spotlight, learn more how Judy became involved in volunteering as part of ACS, opportunities for mentorship, and advice to others interested in volunteering.
How did you become involved in this volunteer opportunity / position (including details regarding application / interview process if applicable)?
As President it is based on being nominated by the committee on nominations and elections. Other positions I held over the years on committees were appointments and as a District Director and Board Member back in the early 1990’s, that was also via nomination by nominations and elections and election by my District.
For this volunteer opportunity / position did you have a mentor and/or do you serve as a mentor to others participants in this program?
As ACS President, all of ACS is your mentors! Your role is to represent members and do your best to move ahead issues and policies to help all members and expand the reputation of chemistry and chemists. As someone who has been a volunteer with ACS actively for over 30 years, my “ACS FAMILY” are always my mentors, coaches and kitchen cabinet.
What has been the most rewarding / exciting component of this volunteer opportunity / position?
It is impossible to narrow it to any one thing. The honor of being asked to run and be a nominee for ACS President, then the honor of being selected by Council as a candidate and running ina general election is an enormous honor. Campaigning is challenging, I can’t act like I enjoyed that part, but you know that if elected it will allow you to have the opportunity to serve all ACS. As President, I chose to do this through three key initiatives – Trust in Science and Scientists; the neXus among market need, scientific solutions and career development; and supporting DEIR is all its myriad of forms, not as a stand alone initiative, but as the foundation for all the work I do and programs I support. Having these three as my guideposts has given rise to all the work I have supported at meetings, at webinars and the work in governance throughout by president-elect and presidential years. And they will stay my guidepost as I move into my past-president year.
What advice would you give to other individuals considering this volunteer opportunity / position?
At ACS our tent is wide! From volunteering at the local, regional or national levels; whether in local sections, committees or divisions there are so many options to get involved, build your network, your skills, your impact and your ACS family! The options are almost endless! Pick one and get started – or get more involved – if you are already active! The joy can be endless!
