Volume 36 Number 3 | June 2022

The ASCLS Nominations Committee is pleased to present the following candidates for office in the 2022-23 Society year. Candidates selected by the House of Delegates will take office during the 2022 ASCLS, AGT & SAFMLS Joint Annual Meeting. Delegates will elect one president-elect; one secretary-treasurer; one director each for Regions I, VII, and VIII; one 5-year term member for the Judicial Committee; and two 2-year term members for the Nominations Committee.

Claude RectorMember Since 2008

EDUCATION
BS, Microbiology, University of Arkansas
MA, Microbiology, University of Arkansas

 

CERTIFICATION
MLS(ASCP)CM

EMPLOYMENT
Assistant Professor, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro

SOCIETY PARTICIPATION FOR THE LAST FIVE YEARS
STATE
2018, 2019, Attendee, Arkansas State Meeting
2018, Attendee, Texas State Meeting
2018, Attendee/Presenter, Louisiana State Meeting

REGIONAL
2016-present, Director, Region VII

NATIONAL
2016-present, Member, Board of Directors
2021, Member, Executive Committee
2017, 2020-21, Member, Policy and Procedure Committee
2017, 2019-20, Member, Finance Committee
2018-19, Member, Appointments Committee
2021, Attendee/Presenter, CLEC
2017-2019, 2021, Attendee, Legislative Symposium
2017-present, Attendee, Annual Meeting
2019, Presenter, Annual Meeting
2017-present, Member, ASCLS House of Delegates

STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY

The following note is currently attached to my work computer.

My Mission: To make a positive impact in healthcare through leadership that will assure excellence in the practice of laboratory science.

This has been my daily mission for the last 20 years. My first job in the hospital laboratory was located in a community with a total population of 5,000 people: my hometown, to be more specific. I have never worked in a hospital other than a rural setting. This is where I learned the impact that I provide to the people needing healthcare. I have served ASCLS in a leadership role since 2011. That was the year I was elected president-elect of ASCLS-Arkansas. This was the time I realized how much I enjoy the professional field of laboratory science. When I was approached back in 2015 to gauge my interest in running for ASCLS regional director, my passion for ASCLS was mentioned as the reason for the invitation.

I believe the future of ASCLS continues with the simple idea that every member counts. I feel we need to hear and appreciate every ASCLS member’s voice. For it is the voice of the member of ASCLS that will drive the Society into the future.

Roslyn McQueenMember Since 1972

EDUCATION
BS, Biological Science, Michigan State University
MA, Healthcare Administration, Central Michigan University
PhD, Pathology, Michigan State University

CERTIFICATION
MT(ASCP)SH

EMPLOYMENT
Adjunct Professor, Saginaw Valley State University, Michigan

SOCIETY PARTICIPATION FOR THE LAST FIVE YEARS

STATE
2021-present, District Director, District 2 ASCLS-Michigan
2017, Presenter, ASCLS-Michigan Meeting
2017, Presenter, ASCLS-Ohio Spring Meeting
2017, Presenter, ASCLS-Indiana

REGIONAL
2017-21, Member, Regin IV Caucus

NATIONAL
2017-20, President-Elect, President, Past President, ASCLS Board of Directors
2020-present, Vice-Chair, ASCLS Education & Research Fund, Inc., Board
2021-present, Member, Judicial Committee
2017-present, Attendee, ASCLS Annual Meeting
2017-present, Member, ASCLS House of Delegates

STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY
I have served my profession with continuous ASCLS membership and participation for over 40 years. I have been actively involved in ASCLS at the local, state, regional, and national levels. My leadership roles include Bylaws Committee chair; Region IV director; ASCLS president-elect, president, and past president; Judicial Committee; Education & Research Fund, Inc., trustee; and board liaison to numerous ASCLS committees. These positions of service and leadership have provided in-depth knowledge about our organization. I have worked to enhance mentorship, collaboration, and empowering our membership. I am attuned to the needs of the members of the organization, and knowledgeable about our documents and governance. I will collaborative with the board members, executive vice president, and staff. My understanding of our issues is based on working with many constituent societies on the grassroots level. Additionally, I have had experience serving as both secretary and treasurer of various organizations on the local, regional, and national levels. I am organized, dependable, and qualified. I will provide attention to detail to our records and transparency of our finances. I feel imminently qualified and able to serve.

Kyle RidingMember Since 2004

EDUCATION
BS, Medical Laboratory Science, University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth
PhD, Public Health, Walden University, Minnesota

 

CERTIFICATION
MLS(ASCP)CM

EMPLOYMENT
Assistant Professor, University of Central Florida, Orlando

SOCIETY PARTICIPATION FOR THE LAST FIVE YEARS

STATE
2017-19, Chair, Program Committee, FSCLS Spring Seminar
2017-19, Attendee/Speaker, FSCLS Spring Seminar

REGIONAL
2019-19, Chair, Program Committee, Region III Triennial Meeting

NATIONAL
2019-present, Secretary-Treasurer, Board of Directors
2019-20, Chair, House of Delegates Task Force
2018-19, Chair, Marketing and Communications Committee
2017, Chair, Leadership Academy Committee
2017, Member, Nominations Committee
2017, 2021, Attendee, Legislative Symposium
2020-22, Attendee, Clinical Laboratory Educators Conference
2017-present, Attendee, ASCLS Annual Meeting
2017, 2019, 2020-21, Member, ASCLS House of Delegates

STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY
ASCLS has a strong history of excellence in the medical laboratory profession. While many opportunities and challenges have arisen during the COVID-19 pandemic, this strong history has positioned our association to be an impactful community that provides value to the hard-working professionals that are the heart of our grassroots. It is my belief that in this changing world ASCLS must continue to find ways to be nimble and built for the future while continually investing in our members and assuring we remain focused on inclusivity and equity throughout our profession.

Frank ScaranoMember Since 1999

EDUCATION
AAS, MLT, Alfred State College, New York
BA, Biology, Alfred University, New York
MS, Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, Albany Medical College, New York
PhD, Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, Albany Medical College, New York
Post-Doctoral Fellowship, Clinical Microbiology, Albany Medical Center Hospital, New York
AAM CPEP Post-Doctoral Fellowship, Clinical and Public Health Microbiology, Hartford Hospital, Connecticut

CERTIFICATION
MLT(ASCP)MCM

EMPLOYMENT
Professor and Chairperson, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

SOCIETY PARTICIPATION FOR THE LAST FIVE YEARS

STATE
2019-21, Chair, Nominations Committee, ASCLS-Central New England
2019-20, Treasurer, ASCLS-Central New England Board of Directors
2017-19, 2021, Attendee, ASCLS-Central New England Annual Conference

REGIONAL
2017-21, Member, Region I Caucus

NATIONAL
2017-present, Member, ASCLS Consumer Information Response Team
2017-present, Member, Microbiology Scientific Assembly
2017-present, Attendee, ASCLS Annual Meeting
2017-present, Member, ASCLS House of Delegates

STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY
As a clinical laboratory scientist, I agree with our ASCLS Past-President Mary Ann McLane in that it is crucially important that we provide a face for our profession at every opportunity! I am passionate about our profession, and I am always willing to share my “infectious” enthusiasm with anyone who will listen. The pandemic has increased visibility of our profession and our integral role in the healthcare system. This is an opportunity to rejuvenate our Society and grow. The workforce shortage of qualified clinical laboratory scientists is staggering. We need to let everyone know who we are and what we do, we need to attract people to our profession, and we need to let all clinical laboratory scientists know about the importance of our wonderful Society. We aren’t going to make progress if we hide under a rock (or in the lab). We need to be optimistic, move awareness of our profession forward, and fight the good fight for clinical laboratory science, no matter what!

Miles TompkinsMember Since 2012

EDUCATION
AAS, Clinical Laboratory Technology, Rose State College, Oklahoma

CERTIFICATION
MLT(ASCP)CM

EMPLOYMENT
Medical Technology Recruiting and Retention Specialist, Diagnostic Laboratory of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City

SOCIETY PARTICIPATION FOR THE LAST FIVE YEARS

STATE
2015-17, President-Elect, ASCLS-Oklahoma Board of Directors
2017-21, President, ASCLS-Oklahoma Board of Directors
2021-22, Past-President, ASCLS-Oklahoma Board of Directors
2017-22, Chair, ASCLS-Oklahoma Scholarship Committee
2017-22, Attendee, ASCLS-Oklahoma One Voice Conference/House of Delegates

REGIONAL
2017-21, Member, Region VII Council
2017-21, Attendee, Region VII Meeting

NATIONAL
2017-present, Member, Diversity Advocacy Council
2018-19, Vice-Chair, Diversity Advocacy Council
2019-20, Chair, Diversity Advocacy Council
2020-21, Past-Chair, Diversity Advocacy Council
2018-20, Member, Constituent Society Task Force
2017-21, Attendee, ASCLS Annual Meeting
2017-21, Member, ASCLS House of Delegates

STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY
One of my favorite quotes, that has been attributed to several famous people, is “90 percent of life is showing up.” I, jokingly, will follow that up with, “and the other 10 percent is knowing when to leave.” Humor aside, the act of being present can lead to many great things. Whether it’s going to an ASCLS meeting, attending a class, or being an ear for someone to talk to in some of the most challenging times, it all starts with showing up. To me, it’s the most important way to demonstrate that you care and that you will be there—not just when things are good. It’s how we have difficult conversations and understand each other better. Showing up is how we become leaders. I look forward to the opportunity to show up for you.

Jessica LawlessMember Since  2016

EDUCATION
BS, Horticulture, Texas A&M University, College Station
BS, Medical Technology-Clinical Laboratory Science, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, Shreveport

 

CERTIFICATION
MLS(ASCP)CM

EMPLOYMENT
Medical Laboratory Scientist, St. Alphonsus/St. Luke’s, Boise/Nampa, Idaho

SOCIETY PARTICIPATION FOR THE LAST FIVE YEARS

STATE
2017, Member, Developing Professional and LA/MS Bi-State Meeting Student Bowl Participant
2018-19, Chair, LSCLS Ascending Professionals Forum
2018-19, Editor and Chief, Bayou Tech – LSCLS Newsletter
2018-19, Member, LSCLS Nominations Committee
2017-19, Attendee, LA/MS Bi-State Meeting
2018-19, Speaker, LA/MS Bi-State Meeting

REGIONAL
2018-19, Attendee, Region VII Caucus
2021, Attendee, Region VIII Caucus

NATIONAL
2018-19, Secretary, Ascending Professionals Forum
2019-20, Vice Chair, Ascending Professionals Forum
2020-21, Chair, Ascending Professionals Forum
2021-22, Member, ASCLS Board of Directors
2018-21, Member, Mentorship Committee
2020-21, Member, Membership Committee
2019, 2021, Attendee, Legislative Symposium
2020-21, Session Host, ASCLS Annual Meeting
2018-21, Attendee, ASCLS Annual Meeting
2018-19, 2021, Member, ASCLS House of Delegates

STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY
I am amazed by the heart of ASCLS members at all levels of the association. Our community’s enthusiasm and passion to make ASCLS, and the profession, even stronger starts at the grassroots level. We have had tough conversations about the future direction of ASCLS and have brainstormed ways to bring us current and prove our worth and relevancy as an association to our Ascending and Developing Professional members. My takeaways from these conversations have been that everyone involved loves ASCLS and is motivated to help it grow and advance for the future. As a region director I would play a critical role in implementing any changes and assuring all perspectives are heard. I would strive to be a link between our grassroots membership and the Board of Directors. Listening to each other with open hearts at all levels of ASCLS is imperative, as is open and transparent dialogue that shares pertinent updates in a meaningful, coherent, and modern way. It would be an honor to serve as Region VIII director and follow in the footsteps of many great members and mentors. It will be just as monumental an honor to serve ASCLS and assure it continues to be the heart of the laboratory profession.

Cindy JohnsonMember Since 1989

EDUCATION
BA, Medical Technology, College of St. Scholastica, Minnesota
MS, Clinical Laboratory Science, University of North Dakota

 

CERTIFICATION
MLS(ASCP)CM

EMPLOYMENT
Senior Director, Laboratory, CentraCare, St. Cloud, Minnesota

SOCIETY PARTICIPATION FOR THE LAST FIVE YEARS

STATE
2017, 2019, 2021, Attendee, Speaker, Committee Member, Minnesota Clinical Laboratory Collaborative

REGIONAL
2019, Attendee, Speaker, Region V Symposium

NATIONAL
2013-17, Member, ASCLS Board of Directors, Secretary/Treasurer
2018-21, Member, ASCLS Board of Directors, President-Elect, President, Past-President
2022, Member, Government Affairs Committee
2017, Speaker, ASCLS Annual Meeting
2021-22, Chair, Emerging Laboratory Manager Collaborative Conference Planning Committee
2021-22, Member, Position Paper Task Force
2017-20, Attendee, Legislative Symposium
2021-22, Attendee, Emerging Laboratory Manager Collaborative Conference
2017-22, Attendee, ASCLS Annual Meeting
2017-21, Member, ASCLS House of Delegates

STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY
The field of laboratory medicine has been a rewarding profession for me for over 38 years. I have had the opportunity to work with many dedicated laboratory professionals who have taught me valuable lessons. Whether we are in our healthcare facilities or on Capitol Hill, it is vital that we share our vision and mission to enhance patient safety and provide the best possible information in the diagnosis and treatment of disease and the promotion of wellness.

Through the networking opportunities offered as a member of ASCLS, the dedication of my colleagues has inspired me to expand my horizons in promotion of the profession. When I think of leaving a professional legacy, I want to know that I have continued to strive for excellence and was able to mentor other colleagues, as I was mentored.

As a leader in the laboratory for the past 28 years and as an ASCLS passionate past president, it would be an honor to serve on the Judicial Committee, as I have the skills required to assure that we maintain a strong commitment to the laboratory professional.

Ramona FoxMember Since 2005

EDUCATION
BS, Biochemistry, University of California
MS, Health Science, Independence University, Utah

 

CERTIFICATION
MT(ASCP)

EMPLOYMENT
Program Director (Retired)

SOCIETY PARTICIPATION FOR THE LAST FIVE YEARS

STATE
2017-present, Treasurer, California Society for Clinical Laboratory Science
2017-present, Attendee, California State Meeting
2017-present, Chair, California State Bylaws Committee

REGIONAL
2019-present, Treasurer, Region X

NATIONAL
2019-present, Trustee, ASCLS Education & Research Fund, Inc.
2017-present, Attendee, Clinical Laboratory Educators Conference
2017-present, Attendee, ASCLS Annual Meeting
2017-2021, Member, ASCLS House of Delegates

STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY
I have always been proud of my profession. This work is a career, not just a job. This pride led me to become the program director of an MLS program with the opportunity to educate and instill that pride in new professionals. My involvement in ASCLS has been very rewarding, and I have been active at the state level since I joined and more recently at the regional and national levels. I have had the opportunity to meet many individuals that have both mentored and inspired me. These connections have provided me both personal and professional friendships that I treasure, as well as the opportunity to grow and pass along my enthusiasm for the profession to others. As an organization, ASCLS provides invaluable networking, continuing education, and promotion of the profession opportunities. I am proud of what this organization accomplishes and would do my best to be of service if elected to the Nominations Committee.

Deb RodahlMember Since 1990

EDUCATION
MS, Medical Technology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
MBA, Business Administration, Cardinal Stritch University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

 

CERTIFICATION
MLS(ASCP)CM

EMPLOYMENT
Retired, Formerly Vice-President Hospital Operations, St. Joseph’s Hospital, St. Paul, Minnesota

SOCIETY PARTICIPATION FOR THE LAST FIVE YEARS

STATE
2017, 2021, Attendee, Minnesota Collaborative Meeting
2018-19, Attendee/Speaker, Minnesota Collaborative Meeting
2018, Speaker, ASCLS-Michigan Spring Meeting
2018, Speaker, ASCLS-Iowa Spring Meeting
2018, Speaker, ASCLS-North Dakota Meeting

REGIONAL
2017-19, Attendee/Speaker, Region V Symposium
2017-19, Speaker, Region V Leadership Academy

NATIONAL
2017-19, President-Elect, President, Past-President, ASCLS Board of Directors
2019-21, Member, Nominations Committee
2020-present, Chair, Nominations Committee
2020-present, Chair, Position Paper Task Force
2021-preesnt, Member, Abstract and Proposal Review Committee
2021-present, Editor, ASCLS Today Newsletter
2021-present, Member, Marketing and Communication Committee
2017-20, Attendee, Legislative Symposium
2018, Attendee, Clinical Laboratory Educators Conference
2017-21, Attendee, ASCLS Annual Meeting
2017-present, Member, ASCLS House of Delegates

STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY
ASCLS is in the midst of a critical transition to becoming an organization that is more inclusive and more relevant for our members and the clinical laboratory profession. As a former member of the ASCLS Board of Directors and a past president, I appreciate the challenge before us, and having completed one term on the Nominations Committee, I have come to recognize the importance of this work to seek out those future leaders in ASCLS who can ensure the success of this transition. I am a firm believer in the value that ASCLS brings to the clinical laboratory sciences profession and to the practitioners within this profession. ASCLS has helped shape who I am professionally and personally, to which I will always be grateful and is the reason why I continue to put forth efforts to support the work of ASCLS.

Ian WallaceMember Since 2012

EDUCATION
BS, Microbiology, Colorado State University
BA, Sociology, Colorado State University

 

CERTIFICATION
MLS(ASCP)CM

EMPLOYMENT
Laboratory Supervisor, Platte Valley Medical Center, Brighton, Colorado

SOCIETY PARTICIPATION FOR THE LAST FIVE YEARS

STATE
2019-present, Chair, Government Affairs Committee/Political Action Committee
2017-18, President, ASCLS-Colorado
2017-present, Attendee, Clinical Laboratory Collaborative Conference
2021-22, Co-Chair, Exhibits Committee, Clinical Laboratory Collaborative Conference

REGIONAL
2020-present, Chair, Region VIII Leadership Committee
2021-present, Chair, Exhibits, Intermountain States Seminar Planning Committee
2021-21, Co-Chair, Exhibits, Intermountain States Seminar Planning Committee
2017-18 Member, Region VIII Council

NATIONAL
2017-18, Member, National Workforce Shortage Task Force
2021, Attendee, ASCLS Annual Meeting
2017-present, Attendee, Legislative Symposium
2017-18, 2020, Member, ASCLS House of Delegates
2021, Gallery Attendee, ASCLS House of Delegates

STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY
My philosophy is simple—get the right person, for the right job, who is dedicated to completing any and all tasks associated with the position. ASCLS continues to have a treasure trove of passionate members who want to participate but perhaps feel like they are not seen. It is my goal to recognize these individuals, highlight their accomplishments, and hopefully have them grow into new roles and be successful in doing so. I have been involved with ASCLS for some time now and recognize many faces, I see the potential in many of them, and know that if the timing is right and the role is there, they will accomplish great things. It’s simply extending the olive branch and tapping into that passion that will lead us all to do greatness.

Darius WilsonMember Since 1995

EDUCATION
BS, Medical Technology, Memphis State University, Tennessee
MA, Teaching, Secondary Education, University of Memphis, Tennessee
PhD, Education, University of Memphis, Tennessee

CERTIFICATION
MT(ASCP)

EMPLOYMENT
MLS Program Chair, Baptist Health Sciences University, Memphis, Tennessee

SOCIETY PARTICIPATION FOR THE LAST FIVE YEARS

NATIONAL
2017-18, Chair, ASCLS Education Scientific Assembly
2017, Attendee/Speaker, Clinical Laboratory Educators Conference
2017-present, Member, Diversity Advocacy Council
2017-present, Member, Committee for Educational Programs and Initiatives
2017-present, Member, Hematology Scientific Assembly
2017-18, Attendee, ASCLS Annual Meeting

STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY
It is my philosophy that participation in the professional organization is vital to the continuous improvement of the individual, whether at the local, state, or national level. The more one becomes knowledgeable of the operation of the Society, the better one can be of service to others through mentoring and networking.

As an educator, I strive to model the behavior that I think would be beneficial to students who become laboratory professionals. I continuously stress the benefits of joining and remaining active in a professional society.

Becoming a member of the Nominations Committee will allow me the opportunity to maximize my talents and experiences as I work with others to identify qualified candidates for various positions within ASCLS.