Committees
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Organizational Chart of ACT Committees
This organizational chart provides insight into the structure of ACT Committees and Subcommittees that all work together to advance the mission of the College. A diverse group of more than 200 ACT members actively participate on 9 Committees and 7 Subcommittees.
As an ACT member, you have real-time access to many details about each of these committees, simply by clicking on the committee box, including:
- Committee purpose and key achievements
- Committee roster
- Committee SOP
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If you find a committee you are interested in joining!Volunteer by August 30 for the new term.Terms begin December 1 each year, but many committees need assistance with projects throughout the year.
Endowment Committee
- Elected Committee
- 3-Year Term, begins December 1
- 3 Elected Members
- Chair: Treasurer
Committee Roster
Committee SOP
Key activities and commitment:
The Endowment Committee provides fiduciary oversight and strategic guidance for the ACT Endowment. Key responsibilities include advising Council on the investment strategy, reviewing the financial performance of the Endowment, and approving any proposed changes to investment holdings or annual fund distributions. The committee also supports fundraising efforts by encouraging contributions from ACT members and participating in the development and promotion of Endowment-related initiatives.
Members of this committee can expect a time commitment of approximately 2–4 hours per month, particularly during the June to September period when the financial audit and tax filings (IRS Form 990) are reviewed. The committee typically meets 3–4 times per year for one hour per meeting, with additional responsibilities carried out between meetings. A background in finance or investments, and an interest in fundraising, are valuable for committee members. The ability to evaluate financial reports and engage in strategic discussion about long-term Endowment growth and impact is essential.
Recent Accomplishments Include:
The ACT Endowment saw an increase of over $100,000 from January 1, 2024 to October 31, 2024. A detailed report on the Endowment is published annually. Distributions from the Endowment of up to $32,500 were made in 2024 to help fund ACT awards, including North American Graduate Fellowships, student travel grants, and two merit-based awards: the Furst Award and the Mehendale Award.
Finance Committee
- Elected Committee
- 3-Year Term, begins December 1
- 3 Elected Members
- Chair: Treasurer
Committee Roster
Committee SOP
Key activities and commitment:
The Finance Committee provides fiduciary oversight of ACT’s financial operations and long-term fiscal health. Key responsibilities include reviewing the annual draft budget, financial statements, IRS Form 990, and annual audit; evaluating ACT’s investment holdings and strategy; and making recommendations to Council on budget requests, financial policies, and revenue sources such as fees and registration rates.
Members of this committee can expect a time commitment of approximately 2–5 hours a month, with most activity occurring between June and September during the audit, tax return, and budget review process. The committee meets 4–5 times per year, with additional business conducted via email. Members of this committee benefit from having a background or interest in finance, accounting, budgeting, or investments, particularly in areas such as equities and bonds. A practical understanding of financial documents and strategic thinking are helpful as the committee advises Council on ACT’s fiscal stewardship.
Recent Accomplishments Include:
The Finance Committee provides an ongoing assessment of ACT operating revenue and expenses. In 2024, a 2023 financial audit was conducted and approved with no material findings. The Committee reviewed 2025 budget requests and communicated with an investment advisory regarding ACT assets and investment strategy.
Nominating Committee
- Elected Committee
- 2-Year Term, begins December 1
- 4 Elected Members
- Chair: Council Member
Committee Roster
Committee SOP
Key activities and commitment:
The Nominating Committee is responsible for developing the ballot for ACT’s elected positions and identifying potential leaders for future service. This includes evaluating prospective candidates, encouraging participation from the membership, and ensuring a qualified slate. Key activities include biweekly meetings early in the year, outreach to candidates, and collaborative discussion to finalize the ballot.
Members of this committee can expect a time commitment of 2 to 4 hours monthly, with increased involvement of 4 to 6 hours from January through April, when the ballot is being developed. Members typically progress in responsibility over their term, gaining more autonomy in candidate outreach and input. Strong communication skills, the ability to encourage others, and thoughtful, objective discussion are essential for success on this committee.
Recent Accomplishments Include:
In 2024, the Nominating Committee absorbed the Leadership Development Working Group responsibilities, identified and recruited emerging and established leaders from the membership for inclusion in the ballot, disseminated the election results, and updated the Chair/Co-Chair Onboarding Presentation for incoming leaders.
Outreach Committee
- Elected Committee
- 3-Year Term, begins December 1
- 3 Elected Members
- Chair: Council Member
Committee Roster
Committee SOP
Key activities and commitment:
The Outreach Committee supports ACT’s mission by fostering relationships with external organizations and societies to promote education, collaboration, and visibility within the broader toxicology community. Key activities include evaluating and managing strategic partnerships, reviewing requests for educational support, preparing quarterly newsletter articles, and developing key messages to communicate outreach accomplishments to ACT members.
Members of this committee can expect to dedicate 3–4 hours per month throughout the year, with additional time required for specific roles or during peak planning periods. Members progress through responsibilities over their term, with first-year members typically managing the Ambassador Program and educational requests, and later-year members contributing to agenda setting, budget tracking, meeting facilitation, and Council reporting. Organizational skills, familiarity with ACT and its network, and a willingness to engage externally are essential for success on this committee.
Recent Accomplishments Include:
The Outreach Committee worked to advance ACT relevance and impact by collaborating with sister societies. Additionally, efforts were made to provide education access to resource-restricted individuals. Bringing awareness of global opportunities and continuing efforts to diversify the membership remained a priority.
Sister Society Liaisons
- Appointed
- 3-Year Term
- Up to 8 Appointed Members
Key activities and commitment:
The Sister Society Liaisons foster and maintain strategic partnerships between ACT and national or international organizations with missions complementary to those of the College. These partnerships support shared educational goals through collaborative scientific sessions, training opportunities, and ongoing communication. Liaisons serve as the primary point of contact between ACT and sister societies, working to enhance visibility, encourage collaboration, and ensure mutual support at annual meetings.
Members serving in these liaison roles can expect a time commitment of approximately 1–2 hours per month, with increased activity during key times of the year (July to September for SLC representatives and May to July for the AAALAC delegate). Responsibilities include attending Outreach Committee meetings, participating in partner society meetings (in person and virtually), sharing ACT updates, and preparing reports to Council. Strong organizational and communication skills, familiarity with ACT’s structure, and the ability to represent the College in external settings are essential. Travel may be required depending on the partner organization’s schedule.
Recent Accomplishments Include:
The ACT Sister Society liaisons attended the Scientific Liaison Coalition (SLC) meetings and provided quarterly reports to the ACT Outreach Committee and Council. The ACT Sister Society liaison to AAALAC International participated in their annual conference with a report summarized and provided to the ACT Outreach Committee and Council.
Program Committee
- Appointed Committee
- 2-Year Term, begins December 1
- Up to 20 Appointed Members
- Chair: President-Elect
Committee Roster
Committee SOP
Key activities and commitment:
The Program Committee is responsible for developing the scientific program for the Annual Meeting. Key activities include reviewing and selecting proposals for Symposia, Workshops, and Mini Symposia; reviewing and approving Exhibitor-Hosted Program submissions; selecting Plenary speakers; and evaluating poster abstract submissions. Committee members also serve as liaisons to session chairs and speakers, helping coordinate logistics, finalize content, and resolve issues in preparation for the Annual Meeting.
Members of this committee can expect a time commitment of approximately 44 hours annually. Throughout the year, the committee holds 1-hour biweekly meetings and monthly meetings with chairs and speakers from March through October. Additional time is needed to manage session proposals and abstract review. While there is no formal progression of responsibilities, members may take on leadership roles over time. Members of this committee bring subject matter expertise in toxicology, with a strong record of scientific presentations and publications. Prior experience attending the ACT Annual Meeting is important, and experience speaking at or chairing a session is strongly preferred. Members of this committee are highly encouraged to travel to the Annual Meeting.
Recent Accomplishments Include:
The Program Committee ensures each year's annual meeting reflects a well-thought-out program covering the interests of ACT membership. In 2024, the Annual Meeting hosted 2 plenary lectures, 22 Symposia/Mini Symposia, Workshops, and Hot Topics, 126 poster abstracts, and 23 Exhibitor-Hosted Programs.
Education Committee
- Elected Committee
- 3-Year Term, begins December 1
- 6 Elected Members
- Chair: Council Member
Committee Roster
Committee SOP
Key activities and commitment:
The Education Committee develops, coordinates, and oversees ACT’s educational offerings, including Continuing Education (CE) courses at the Annual Meeting, as well as webinars, podcasts, eLearning seminars, and in-person classroom courses. Committee members serve as liaisons to these program areas and are responsible for reviewing CE proposals, managing timelines, supporting content development, and ensuring the quality and relevance of ACT’s educational programming. Liaison responsibilities typically progress over a three-year term, with first-year members supporting podcasts or classroom courses, second-year members focusing on webinars and eLearning, and third-year members leading CE course development.
Members of this committee can expect a time commitment of approximately 2 hours each month for scheduled meetings, with an additional 2–3 hours per week during peak periods (December/January for CE proposal review and May/June for slide review). Members of this committee bring strong communication skills, patience, and persistence. An ability to manage timelines, coordinate with speakers, and ensure that educational content meets ACT’s high standards is essential. Members of this committee are highly encouraged to travel to the Annual Meeting.
Recent Accomplishments Include:
In 2024, the Education Committee, supported by its Subcommittees, oversaw all educational offerings of the College and ensured that they were current, diverse, accessible, practical, and relevant. Educational content included eight Continuing Education courses at the Annual Meeting and ACT-hosted or co-hosted the following classroom courses: Advanced Comprehensive Toxicology, Toxicology for Pharmaceutical and Regulatory Scientists, and Pathology for Nonpathologists.
Webinar Subcommittee
- Appointed Committee
- 3-Year Term, begins December 1
- Up to 10 Appointed Members
- Appointed Chair
Committee Roster
Committee SOP
Key activities and commitment:
The Webinar Subcommittee facilitates 4–6 free educational live webinars annually, offering timely toxicology topics through a virtual streaming platform. Key activities include selecting webinar topics, identifying and coordinating with speakers, reviewing abstracts and slides for content quality and copyright compliance, moderating live sessions and Q&A, and maintaining the ACT Signature Webinar archive. Members also collect and review attendee feedback to support continuous improvement of the program.
Members of this subcommittee can expect a time commitment of approximately 3 hours per month, with increased responsibility during quarters when serving as a Lead or Co-Lead for a webinar. New members are encouraged to shadow experienced members before leading a webinar of their own during their three-year term. Members are expected to be responsive and collaborative, attend live or practice sessions, offer feedback, and actively contribute to the development and delivery of engaging webinar content.
Recent Accomplishments Include:
The Webinar Subcommittee produces unique webinars that inform the greater toxicology community on innovative and standard practices in the industry and provide career development insights. These webinars are viewed globally by people from a wide variety of educational and vocational backgrounds. In 2024, the Webinar Committee produced three scientific webinars and one career development webinar.
eLearning Subcommittee
- Appointed Committee
- 3-Year Term, begins December 1
- Up to 12 Appointed Members
- Appointed Chair
Committee Roster
Committee SOP
Key activities and commitment:
The eLearning Subcommittee is responsible for ACT’s eLearning Seminar series, which features subject matter experts presenting topics ranging from fundamental toxicology training to emerging scientific developments. Key activities include reviewing preliminary and recorded module content, identifying expert speakers, moderating session recordings, and providing timely feedback to ensure quality and relevance.
Members of this subcommittee can expect a time commitment of up to 4 hours per month, with increased involvement from January to April during slide review and module development. Members may choose to lead a module, which includes coordinating speakers, attending practice and recording sessions, and guiding content development. While no specific skills are required, members are expected to be responsive, attend monthly meetings, and collaborate actively with the team.
Recent Accomplishments Include:
In 2024 the eLearning Subcommittee continued its efforts to inform and educate by releasing a new eLearning series on the development of CNS/neurology therapeutics and creating content for the 2025 eLearning series on toxicology studies for eyes, skin and the immune system.
Podcast Subcommittee
- Appointed Committee
- 3-Year Term, begins December 1
- Up to 12 Appointed Members
- Appointed Chair
Committee Roster
Committee SOP
Key activities and commitment:
The Podcast Subcommittee plans and produces 6–8 toxicology-focused podcasts each year, featuring scientific or informational topics relevant to ACT members. Key activities include identifying podcast topics, inviting and interviewing guests, developing questions, and coordinating episode production from planning through post-recording review.
Members of this subcommittee can expect a time commitment of approximately three hours per month, with increased activity in October and November when episodes featuring Annual Meeting Plenary speakers are typically produced. While prior experience with recording or audio editing software is helpful, it is not required. New members are paired with mentors to learn the tools and process. Members are encouraged to shadow senior members during their first year and are expected to lead a podcast episode in a subsequent year.
Recent Accomplishments Include:
The Podcast Subcommittee develops interesting and relevant podcast content for ACT members and the public. Topics for 11 podcasts released in 2024 ranged from alternative and nontraditional species to potential health effects of 3D printing emissions and topics designed to support career development.
Awards Committee
- Elected Committee
- 3-Year Term, begins December 1
- 6 Elected Members
- Chair: Council Member
Committee Roster
Committee SOP
Key activities and commitment:
The Awards Committee solicits nominations and selects recipients for ACT Signature Awards and ACT Travel Grants and Fellowships, excluding the ACT Distinguished Fellow (selected by Council) and the Best Paper Award (selected by the IJT Editorial Board). Key activities include scoring award nominations and applications, participating in the Awards Ceremony at the Annual Meeting, and selecting recipients for the Furst Award and the Mehendale Award during the student poster competition at the Annual Meeting.
Members for this committee can expect a time commitment of 5–10 hours per month, with additional time needed during April and May when awards scoring takes place. Members of this committee bring a fair mind, a willingness to thoughtfully evaluate multiple applications, and the ability to collaborate on final decisions. Strong communication and active listening skills are key during the scoring process. Members of this committee are expected to travel to the Annual Meeting.
Recent Accomplishments Include:
The Awards Committee reviewed nominations and recommended recipients for five ACT Signature Awards and five travel grants. Recipients were announced and celebrated at the Awards Ceremony at the 2024 Annual Meeting.
Membership Committee
- Elected Committee
- 3-Year Term, begins December 1
- 6 Elected Members
- Chair: Council Member
Committee Roster
Committee SOP
Key activities and commitment:
The Membership Committee reviews applications for ACT membership to ensure applicants meet the criteria for their selected membership category. The committee also manages the ACT volunteer portal, connects applicants with volunteer opportunities, and supports initiatives that enhance the overall membership experience. Additional responsibilities include collaborating with the Early Career Professional Subcommittee and contributing to efforts that align with ACT initiatives, such as tracking key performance indicators, maintaining membership benefits, and promoting networking opportunities at the Annual Meeting.
Members of this committee can expect a time commitment of 6–12 hours per month, depending on the time of year and committee initiatives. There are five membership application review cycles annually, each involving review of 30–60 applications and a follow-up committee meeting to finalize recommendations to Council. Members of this committee bring a strong understanding of ACT member benefits, an interest in member engagement and retention, and the ability to thoughtfully review applications. Effective communication and collaboration are essential, particularly when addressing applications that do not clearly meet defined criteria. Members of this committee are highly encouraged to travel to the Annual Meeting.
Recent Accomplishments Include:
In 2024, the Membership Committee revamped and relaunched the ACT Career Center, improved the process for engaging with ACT volunteers, hosted new member welcome calls, hosted a new member mingle event at the Annual Meeting, reviewed 6 emeritus applications and 150 membership applications, and implemented more inclusive member demographic categories.
Early Career Professional Subcommittee
- Appointed Committee
- 3-Year Term, begins December 1
- Up to 12 Appointed Members
- Appointed Chair
Committee Roster
Committee SOP
Key activities and commitment:
The Early Career Professional (ECP) Subcommittee consists of members with less than ten years of professional experience in toxicology or a related discipline after earning their highest degree. The ECP Subcommittee supports the professional development of early career professionals by providing resources, educational programming, and engagement opportunities specifically designed for new toxicologists. Key activities include organizing career-focused webinars and podcasts, planning the Annual Meeting’s speed networking and ECP social events, and engaging with other ACT committees to amplify ECP visibility and impact.
Members of this subcommittee can expect a time commitment of approximately one hour per month for scheduled meetings, with an additional 2–8 hours per month depending on projects and planning needs. The Co-Chair, typically appointed in their second year on the subcommittee, transitions to Chair for their third year of service. Members of this subcommittee bring strong communication and organizational skills, a collaborative mindset, and a passion for mentorship and service. A commitment to supporting early career advancement and fostering engagement within ACT is essential. Members of this subcommittee are highly encouraged to travel to the Annual Meeting.
Recent Accomplishments Include:
In 2024, the Early Career Professional Subcommittee advanced cutting-edge science and professional development for early career professionals through podcasts, webinars, and activities to enhance networking, outreach, and mentorship. The Subcommittee endorsed a symposium on AI and machine learning in toxicology, facilitated exclusive opportunities for early career professionals to engage with the Plenary speaker and fostered meaningful connections with experienced leaders through networking, social events, and interactive activities.
Communications Committee
- Appointed Committee
- 3-Year Term, begins December 1
- Up to 16 Appointed Members
- Chair: Council Member
Committee Roster
Committee SOP
Key activities and commitment:
The Communications Committee is responsible for supporting and enhancing ACT’s communication efforts across all platforms. This includes oversight of the Newsletter and Social Media Subcommittees, review and maintenance of the ACT website, and the support of communication efforts related to the Annual Meeting. The committee also collaborates with other ACT committees to review communication strategies and campaigns.
Members of this committee can expect to dedicate an average of 3 hours per month, with some months requiring up to 5 hours. The committee meets monthly, and members are expected to contribute to reviews of digital platforms and resources. While there is no formal progression of responsibilities, more experienced members are encouraged to mentor newer participants. An understanding of basic communication and engagement principles is helpful, along with an interest in strategic messaging and cross-committee collaboration.
Recent Accomplishments Include:
In 2024, the Communications Committee successfully implemented the ACT Strategic Communications plan, completed nine messaging campaigns, and launched an “Ask a Friend” discussion forum. Additionally, it strengthened communication and collaboration across Committees, Subcommittees, Working Groups, and the College, aligning efforts with the College’s goals. The Ask a Friend Forum, a key initiative, created a dynamic space for members to exchange questions and insights, enhancing member engagement and value.
Social Media Subcommittee
- Appointed Committee
- 2-Year Term, begins December 1
- Up to 11 Appointed Members
- Appointed Chair
Committee Roster
Committee SOP
Key activities and commitment:
The Social Media Subcommittee (SMSC) is responsible for managing ACT’s online presence on LinkedIn. The SMSC plans, drafts, reviews, and posts content that highlights ACT events, educational opportunities, awards, and membership benefits. The SMSC also supports Annual Meeting promotion through session highlights, photo-sharing, and interactive components such as digital frames and on-site media engagement.
Members typically dedicate 2 hours per month to drafting 3–5 posts and participating in monthly check-in meetings. Time requirements may increase to 5 hours during high-volume months (e.g., the lead-up to the Annual Meeting). Members attending the Annual Meeting may be asked to help capture photos for live social media updates. Skills that support success in this role include frequent communication, self-accountability, and creative thinking. The ability to engage audiences and maintain quality, on-brand messaging is essential. While responsibilities increase with voluntary involvement, those serving as Chair or Co-Chair take on more formal leadership duties throughout their term.
Recent Accomplishments Include:
As of November 2024, the ACT LinkedIn account had an increase in followers by approximately 20% from the previous year. In 2024, the Social Media Subcommittee initiated top performing posts on International Journal of Toxicology article spotlights and FDA guidance updates, as well as real-time posting of content at sister society meetings and the ACT Annual Meeting.
Newsletter Subcommittee
- Appointed Committee
- 3-Year Term, begins December 1
- Up to 10 Appointed Members
- Appointed Chair
Committee Roster
Committee SOP
Key activities and commitment:
The Newsletter Subcommittee (NLSC) is responsible for producing ACTimes, the College’s quarterly newsletter. Each NLSC member writes one original article per issue and participates in reviewing the final draft prior to publication. Articles cover a range of topics, including recent regulatory developments, educational events, and general ACT member announcements. NLSC members are encouraged to explore timely, relevant topics of interest to the ACT community.
Members of this subcommittee typically spend about 25 hours annually contributing articles and reviewing content. The subcommittee is open to anyone interested in writing and sharing information with the ACT audience. Members should be prepared to research and summarize complex topics in a clear and engaging way. The Chair coordinates timelines, article collection, internal reviews, and newsletter dissemination with ACT staff and serves as the primary liaison for the ACT Secretary. While progression of responsibilities is limited, the Chair role includes additional planning, leadership, and oversight responsibilities throughout the year.
Recent Accomplishments Include:
The Newsletter Subcommittee authors, edits, and releases the quarterly ACT newsletter. ACTimes features a message from the ACT President, reports from ACT Council, Committees, and Subcommittees, and articles of interest, such as Drug Watch, Member Spotlight, and It Takes a Village. Release after release, ACTimes educates and informs ACT members about member happenings, and important regulatory changes or novel methodological approaches.
International Journal Toxicology Editorial Board
- Appointed Board
- 3-Year Term
- 45–50 Appointed Members
- Chair: IJT Editor-in-Chief
Key activities and commitment:
Provide timely and constructive reviews of manuscripts submitted to International Journal of Toxicology. A subset of the Editorial Board is invited to participate in selection of the Best Paper published in International Journal of Toxicology in the previous calendar year.
Recent Accomplishments Include:
The purpose of the IJT Editorial Board is to provide timely and constructive reviews of manuscripts submitted to IJT. In 2024, there were a total of 389 submissions as of November with an overall acceptance rate of approximately 5%. Twenty of the submissions were Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)-sponsored Supplement issue manuscripts. Overall, thirty-nine countries were represented. IJT relies on its Editorial Board members and approximately 50 ad hoc reviewers.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Subcommittee
- Appointed Committee
- 3-Year Term
- Up to 9 Appointed Members
- Appointed Chair
Committee Roster
Committee SOP
Key activities and commitment:
- Support ACT Council’s Strategic Plan to increase membership diversity
- Liaise with ACT Committees to build awareness of DEI considerations and support integration of DEI efforts in their plans
- Contribute to Member Data Surveys to understand ACT’s evolving membership
- Provide recommendations to amplify DEI concepts
- Promote professional development and inclusion of toxicologists globally
- Expand the visibility of ACT’s commitment to DEI
Recent Accomplishments Include:
The DEI Subcommittee updated and expanded ACT member demographic data categories, worked towards the inclusion of DEI framework in Council and Committees' work, supported Outreach Committee educational access initiatives, and published articles in the ACT member newsletter.
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