For Immediate Release: Wednesday, September 9, 2026, 2:00pm U.S. Eastern Time
Media Contact: Evelyn Mantegani, +1 (240) 833-2014, [email protected]
Rockville, Md. – The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) members have elected Wendy Chung, MD, PhD, a globally recognized leader in human genetics and genomics, as the 2027 ASHG president-elect. Her election reflects both her extraordinary contributions to advancing genomic medicine and her longstanding commitment to the Society and its mission.
Colleen A. Campbell, PhD, MS, LGC, Andrew R. Marderstein, PhD, Athena Starlard-Davenport, PhD, and Brooke N. Wolford, PhD have been elected to the ASHG Board of Directors, where they will help shape the Society’s strategic vision and future initiatives. Their three-year term begins on January 1, 2027.
Wendy Chung, MD, PhD, is Chief of Pediatrics at Boston Children’s Hospital and the Mary Ellen Avery Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School in Boston. Her research translates genomic insights into earlier diagnoses, more precise risk assessment, and innovative treatments for rare and complex conditions. She has identified the genetic basis of more than 60 novel Mendelian conditions and leads major studies in newborn screening, autism, and congenital anomalies. Her ASHG service includes the Board of Directors, Treasurer-Elect, Treasurer, Government and Public Advocacy Committee, and the American Journal of Human Genetics Editorial Board.
Colleen A. Campbell, PhD, MS, LGC, is the Director of Genetic Counseling Operations for University of Iowa Health Care, Assistant Director of the Iowa Institute of Human Genetics, and is a Clinical Associate Professor in the University’s Department of Internal Medicine in Iowa City, Iowa. A licensed genetic counselor and a molecular geneticist, Dr. Campbell works to expand access to genomic medicine through innovative service delivery, and responsible integration of AI in health care, health policy, and rural and population health initiatives. The focus of her work is to integrate and improve patient access to precision medicine throughout health care based on her unique perspective and understanding of the interactions between the lab, providers, patients, legislature, and the health care system. Her ASHG service includes the Program Committee and, currently, the Government and Public Advocacy Committee.
Andrew R. Marderstein, PhD, is a Fellow in the Clinical Genetics Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. His research integrates computational genomics, population genetics, machine learning, and cancer biology to illuminate how genetic variation shapes disease. By identifying the mechanisms that connect genetic variation to disease, he aims to uncover new opportunities for risk prediction, prevention, and treatment. Dr. Marderstein previously served as a member and co-chair of ASHG’s Career Development Committee and a host of the Trainee Paper Spotlight Podcast. He currently serves on the Program Committee.
Athena Starlard-Davenport, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Genetics, Genomics, and Informatics at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and a faculty member in its Center for Sickle Cell Disease and College of Graduate Health Sciences in Memphis, Tenn. Her research focuses on understanding the genetic and epigenetic factors that contribute to variability in human disease, with a particular emphasis on sickle cell disease. Her laboratory investigates genetic modifiers, epigenetic mechanisms, and microRNA-based therapeutic approaches to advance precision medicine and improve outcomes across diverse populations. Her research has also examined the molecular basis of disparities in breast cancer. Dr. Starlard-Davenport is actively engaged in national scientific service and leadership. Her ASHG service includes member and leadership roles on the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force, Awards Committee, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Awareness Committee, and Engagement and Opportunity Committee.
Brooke N. Wolford, PhD, is a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellow at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology and serves in research roles at Oslo University Hospital and the University of Oslo in Norway. She uses statistical genetics and bioinformatics methods to develop precision medicine approaches for preventing heart disease. As principal investigator of ProtectHearts and HUNT AI for Heart Health, she advances more personalized disease prediction using Nordic population biobanks. Dr. Wolford has served on the ASHG Program Committee.
ASHG thanks the Board members who are completing their terms of service at the end of 2026. The newly elected Board members will join the following individuals to serve the 2027 Board of Directors (institutions presented for identification only):
- Heather Mefford, MD, PhD, President, St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.
- Susan A. Slaugenhaupt, PhD, Past President, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School in Boston
- Melinda C. Aldrich, PhD, Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn.
- Fowzan Alkuraya, MD, Lifera Omics in Saudi Arabia
- Chester W. Brown, MD, PhD, University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tenn.
- Megan Dennis, PhD, University of California, Davis School of Medicine in Sacramento, Calif.
- Andrew McCallion, PhD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore
- Heidi Rehm, PhD, Massachusetts General Hospital/Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard in Boston
- Beth A. Sullivan, PhD, Duke University in Durham, N.C.
- Amanda Perl, CEO, American Society of Human Genetics, Ex-officio
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About the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG)
The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) is the leading global organization advancing the science of human genetics and genomics. Representing nearly 8,000 researchers, clinicians, genetic counselors, educators, and other professionals, ASHG drives progress in understanding the human genome and its role in health and disease. The Society fosters innovation and collaboration through its flagship events and publications—including the ASHG Annual Meeting and its peer-reviewed journals The American Journal of Human Genetics and Human Genetics and Genomics Advances. ASHG also champions science advocacy, supports the next generation of genetics professionals, and promotes responsible policies and public engagement in genetics. Learn more at www.ashg.org.