Since the inception of MEG in April 1997, Dr. Fred F. Kadlubar functioned as Chairperson of MEG, and Dr. Christine B. Ambrosone as Vice Chairperson. To provide the continuity and stability that are essential to the development of MEG/AACR during its first two formative years of operation, these individuals have continued to serve in these capacities.
The 1998-1999 Steering Committee consists of the following persons: Chairperson of MEG/AACR who serves as the Steering Committee's Chairperson; Vice Chairperson; the four appointed Committee Chairpersons (i.e., Chairpersons of the Program, Membership, Communications, and Liaison and Resource Committees); and the Executive Director of the AACR.
It is intended that the Past Chairperson should become a member of the Steering Committee. Thus, in the Spring of 1999, the current Chairperson (Dr. Kadlubar) will become Past Chairperson, and in this capacity he will be added to the 1999-2000 Steering Committee to provide organizational continuity. At the same time the members at large of the MEG/AACR will elect a Chairperson and a Chairperson-elect for 1999-2000. The terms of service for these positions will be one year. In future years, the Chairperson-Elect will automatically become the Chairperson of MEG/AACR, the Chairperson will after one year of service then become Past Chairperson, and MEG/AACR members at large will elect a new Chairperson-Elect.
The slate for MEG/AACR elections will be developed by a Nominating Committee consisting of five MEG/AACR members in good standing. Two of these members will be the current Chairperson and Past Chairperson of the Steering Committee (in 1999, the current Chairperson and Vice Chairperson). No other member of the Steering Committee may serve on the Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee Chairperson must not be a current member of the Steering Committee. The remaining three members of the Nominating Committee will be appointed by the Chairperson of the Steering Committee. The five members of the Nominating Committee will elect their own Chairperson from among the three persons eligible for this post.
The Nominating Committee will submit a slate consisting of two candidates for each open position. These elections will be conducted by mail to obtain maximal participation of MEG/AACR members. Normally this rotation in leadership would become effective at the AACR Annual Meeting where the Annual Business Meeting of MEG/AACR members takes place. However, in this year of transition, this process will be delayed for a few months to allow time for the collection of 1999 dues payments from all prospective MEG/AACR members.
The overall composition of the Steering Committee will be evaluated by the Chairperson of MEG/AACR to ensure that it reflects the scientific and geographic (including international) diversity of MEG/AACR. MEG/AACR Committee Chairpersons will be appointed by the Steering Committee Chairperson. The number of Committees to be appointed will depend upon the approved programs and activities of the Working Group and the financial resources available to maintain the work of MEG/AACR.
The Steering Committee has the responsibility to propose a plan for the scientific and professional goals of MEG/AACR and its members. It recommends a committee structure that has the capacity for carrying out the functions and the stated scientific goals and objectives of the Working Group within the budget, and it gives input to the Chairperson on any remaining issues such as:
- suggestions for Steering Committee members;
- terms of office of Steering Committee members;
- formation and membership of standing or ad hoc committees to carry out the work of MEG/AACR; and
- Editors or members of the Editorial Board of the MEG/AACR Newsletter, Website, and Listserve.
Input regarding the structure and function of MEG/AACR may be solicited from time to time from the members of MEG/AACR.
The Steering Committee, in consultation with the AACR Board of Directors, will establish a set of achievable priorities and a timetable for implementation consistent with available funding. Any significant changes form already agreed upon policies and procedures will require the prior approval of the AACR Board of Directors.
The governance of MEG/AACR, with the election of MEG/AACR leaders by its members and the periodic rotation of elected Chairpersons and Committee members, has been established to ensure maximal participation of MEG/AACR members in the work of the Group, the smooth transmission of programmatic and policy recommendations to the AACR Board of Directors, opportunities for programmatic consensus among MEG/AACR members, and the development of high-quality scientific programs sponsored by MEG/AACR.