WIB is a dynamic organization and its programs and events have grown dramatically. We currently provide a wide variety of educational programs and networking events. WIB has expanded to other regions outside the Washington-Baltimore corridor using a Chapter format.

The vision, goals and experiences of the President, President-Elect and President-Emeritus shape the growth of WIB.

In early December, WIB members will vote on a President-Elect for 2010. The President-Elect will take office January 1, 2010 and will work directly with the 2010 President, Lynn Johnson Langer. By doing so, the President-Elect will have the opportunity both to better understand the mission and goals of the organization and to learn the major responsibilities of the President. In December 2010 we will renew this process: a new president-Elect will be voted on and begin serving a one (1) year term in January 2011, the 2010 president-elect will become President for one (1) year (2011), and the 2010 President will become President-Emeritus for a one (1) year term and provide guidance to the President and President-Elect.

Gianna Arnold will remain President through 2009 and will become President-Emeritus in 2010. Robbie Melton will remain President-Emeritus through 2009 and will remain Chairman of the Board in 2010. Throughout next year, Gianna Arnold and Robbie Melton will continue to provide vision and valuable guidance to the organization.

To take WIB to the next level we need your help. We are now soliciting nominations for the 2010 President-Elect. The nominations will close October 15, 2009. Please consider taking the challenge to help lead WIB or nominating someone you believe has the interest, vision and skills to help lead our organization.

The nomination form is here [PDF]. You may nominate yourself or someone else. Please confirm with the person you nominate that they are willing to serve. The final slate of candidates will be subject to review and approval by the Board.

Elections will be held the week of December 7, 2009. During that week, you will receive an e-mail with the slate of candidates and instructions for voting. Voting will be done electronically and is completely anonymous. All members who are current as of December 1, 2009 are eligible to vote. (Please renew your membership if it is not current.)

If you have any questions regarding these positions or the election process, please feel free to contact WIB Board Member Cynthia Wong Hu at 240-864-2781 or our current President, Gianna Arnold at . Thank you for your participation.

The President is a volunteer position, as are all officer positions.

Benefits: This is a high visibility position that offers the opportunity to meet and interact with industry leaders and executives in bioscience community. The President is an advocate for women in emerging life science companies and has the opportunity to shape meaningful programs that serve entrepreneurs and professionals in the bioscience community. The President is the person the national media turn to for insight on women entrepreneur issues.

Responsibilities: The President is a relationship builder and maintains relationships with sponsors and strategic partners. The President is responsible for the oversight and management of all functions of the WIB. The President leads the organization in fulfilling WIB's mission and vision, and works directly with the Chairman and the Board of Directors. The President will lead the Board in developing goals, milestones and establishing organizational policies. The President will report to the Board of Directors on the activities of the organization and bring to their attention any issues that need to be resolved. The President interfaces with the Advisory Board and seeks their advice on matters related to WIB. The President coordinates activities with the committee chairs and attends their meetings as necessary. The President is the chief communicator with Chapter steering committee liaisons, to ensure they are meeting the vision and goals of the organization. The President works closely with the treasurer to ensure the expenditures and revenues are in line with the budget and recorded appropriately. The President also works with the contractual partners as needed for website development, administrative assistance, events coordinator and accounting functions. The President represents WIB at functions outside of Women In Bio.

Qualifications: The ideal candidate for President must be an active member of the WIB (attended at least 3-4 events in the past two years, and/or has served on one of the committees). The candidate will have knowledge and experience in working with women entrepreneurs and executives in the bioscience industry, and has an understanding and knowledge on issues women face in the workforce. The candidate must have demonstrated experience in event planning and in managing volunteer organizations. We are seeking a person who is visionary and can take the reigns of the organization. The candidate must have exceptional communication and organizational skills.

The candidate must be available to attend board meetings (6 per year) and able to attend WIB events and selected meetings in the morning and evening. Average weekly time commitment for the President-elect term is 5-10 hours/week; average weekly time commitment for the President term is 10-15 hours/week.

The nomination form is here [PDF].