2026 AASLD Special Interest Group (SIG) Committee Nominations

Welcome to the 2026 AASLD Special Interest Group (SIG) Steering Committee Nominations. Nominations for 2026 leadership opportunities are open from May 15 through June 16, 2025.   Please read the nomination guidelines and review the vacant positions and upcoming deadlines below.  

2026 AASLD SIG Committee Nominations

Commitment to Inclusion & Representation:

AASLD is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences feel welcomed and valued across the hepatology community. For this year’s nomination ballot, we encourage submissions that reflect a broad mix of perspectives, including differences in career stage, professional background, and personal experience. If you are a nominator, we strongly encourage you to nominate based on these guidelines.

Nomination Guidelines:  

  • All current and active AASLD members can participate in the nomination process.   
  • Peer-nominations and self-nominations are accepted.   
  • Both the nominator and the nominee must be AASLD members in good standing and must be members of the SIG for which the nomination is being submitted.  
  • Each member can only submit one self-nomination. If a member appears in more than one nomination ballot, an intent to serve request will be requested of the member for their top-pick position.   

If you have any questions regarding SIG membership or the nomination process, please contact SIGs@aasld.org

Nomination Requirements:

If you are self-nominating, you will be asked to provide the following information:   

  • Full name 
  • Email address 
  • Leadership positions you currently hold 
  • Special Interest Group (SIG) you wish to serve in 
  • Vacant position you are interested in occupying  
  • Reason you should be selected as a candidate  
     

If you are peer-nominating, you will be asked to provide the following information:   

  • Full name of nominee 
  • Email address of nominee 
  • Special Interest Group (SIG) you are nominating the candidate for   
  • Vacant position you are nominating the candidate for 
  • Reason for nominating this candidate 

  * The associate or the trainee lead positions require verification. Candidates will be contacted for a verification letter after the nomination is received and before the elections open. 
  
This year’s SIG elections will take place from September 3 – September 24, 2025.  Re-visit this page to access the nomination submission links.   

Submit Nomination Here

Election Slate Selection:  

After the nomination period ends, nominees will be verified for eligibility, which will determine the election slate. Candidates will be contacted via email if additional verification information is needed. 

Vacant Positions and Roles:  

SIGs serve as the primary drivers and content creators for AASLD’s educational programming. Consequently, SIG leadership will support the development of various programming for:  

  • The Liver Meeting (TLM)  
  • Digestive Disease Week (DDW)  
  • Emerging Topic Conferences (ETCs)  
  • Online Learning Activities for LiverLearning 
  • Abstract Reviews 
  • Practice Guidelines Recommendations  
  • Other additional resources  

Vacant positions vary by Special Interest Group (SIG). Please carefully read the roles and responsibilities for each position below.     

Chair  

The Chair plays a crucial leadership role within the SIG, overseeing the steering committee and ensuring effective governance and decision-making. Key responsibilities include: 

  • Leadership: The Chair is the primary leader of the SIG steering committee, guiding the committee’s function to achieve the goals of the SIG membership and ensuring that it remains aligned with the strategic goals of the SIG and the organization. 
  • Collaboration with the Governing Board: The Chair may be requested to support additional tasks from the AASLD Governing Board and will ensure that the committee’s work is aligned with the broader organizational goals, and periodic updates are reported back to the Board. 
  • Quarterly Calls: The Chair organizes and leads quarterly steering committee calls, collaborating with a staff representative to set the agenda and ensuring productive discussions. 
  • The Chair’s role is critical in ensuring the SIG’s success by providing leadership, fostering collaboration, and aligning the steering committee’s work with the organization’s overarching goals. Following their term, chairs will be invited to serve as a member of the SIG Advisory Working Group. 

Vice-Chair  

The Vice-Chair plays a vital support role within the SIG, working closely with and assisting the Chair in various leadership and administrative functions. Key responsibilities include: 

  • Support to the Chair: Working closely with the Chair to help oversee the steering committee’s activities. This includes assisting with planning, decision-making, and ensuring the smooth operation of SIG functions. 
  • Collaboration with Staff: Collaborating with a staff representative to review meeting content and approve minutes from quarterly minutes. 
  • Succession in Case of Vacancy: In the event that the Chair position becomes vacant due to resignation or any other reason, the Vice-Chair steps into the role of Chair, assuming all responsibilities and leadership duties. 
  • Transition to Chair: At the end of their term as Vice-Chair, the individual automatically succeeds the Chair, ensuring continuity in leadership and smooth transition of responsibilities. 

The Vice Chair will succeed the Chair at the end of their term.  

Trainee Lead  

The Trainee Lead plays a critical role in strengthening the voice of trainees within AASLD while gaining leadership experience and contributing to the success of trainee-focused programs. Key responsibilities include: 

  • Supporting Trainee Engagement: The Trainee Lead assists the Chair and Vice Chair in organizing and facilitating initiatives aimed at engaging trainees, particularly around career development and opportunities. 
  • Representing Trainees: The Trainee Lead ensures that the perspectives and needs of this group are considered in broader AASLD initiatives. 
  • Leadership Development: Gaining hands-on-experience in leadership and contributing to the organization’s initiatives. 

The Trainee Lead SIG positions require verification. Candidates will be contacted after the nomination is received and before the elections open.

Associate Lead  

  • The Associate Lead role focuses on engaging and supporting the Hepatology Associates community within AASLD, which includes PAs, NPs, CRNAs, CNMs, CNS, RNs, and RDs. Key responsibilities include: 
  • Supporting the Chair and Vice-Chair: The Associate Lead works closely with the Chair and Vice-Chair to enhance the involvement of Hepatology Associates in the SIG community. This includes helping to plan initiatives, events, and resources that support the professional growth and engagement of this group. 
  • Fostering Community Involvement: The role is key in ensuring that Hepatology Associates feel included and have a voice in AASLD’s decision-making processes, helping to advocate for their needs and interests. 

The Associate Lead SIG positions require verification. 

Communication Lead 

  • The Communication Lead is responsible for managing and enhancing communication for the SIG, ensuring that information is effectively shared with members and the broader hepatology community. Key responsibilities include: 
  • Fostering Online Community Engagement: The Communication Lead encourages active participation and lively discussions within the online SIG community platform. This includes initiating conversations, moderating discussions, and ensuring that the platform remains a valuable resource for SIG members to connect, share ideas, and discuss relevant issues in hepatology. 
  • Enhancing SIG Visibility: The role involves increasing the visibility and reach of the SIG by highlighting its activities, achievements, and contributions to the field of hepatology. The Communication Lead helps to create a positive presence both within AASLD and the broader hepatology community. Networking and SIG member career support are also a component of this position's functions. 

Education Lead 

The Education Lead collaborates closely with SIG leadership and other stakeholders to shape and deliver educational programming for the SIG and AASLD. Key responsibilities include: 

  • Developing Educational Programming: The lead works with the SIG leadership to create engaging and relevant educational content for various platforms and events, including: 
  • TLM (The Liver Meeting) 
  • DDW (Digestive Disease Week) 
  • ETCs (Emerging Topic Conference) 
  • Webinars and Digital Resources: Design and implement digital learning offerings such as webinars and online courses to expand accessibility and engagement for a wide audience. 
  • Submitting Educational Proposals: The lead is responsible for submitting educational proposals on behalf of the SIG, ensuring they meet AASLD’s criteria for content quality, relevance, and compliance with guidelines. 
  • Quality Control: Along with the SIG leadership, the education lead ensures that all educational content is high-quality, up-to-date, and scientifically rigorous, while also being accessible and engaging for attendees. 

This position will also work to submit all educational proposals in accordance with AASLD criteria. 

 

SIG Terms:

All SIG positions have a 2-year term, starting January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2027. 

  • Vice Chair  
  • Associate Lead  
  • Trainee Lead 

Submit Nomination Here

  • Vice Chair  
  • Associate Lead

Submit Nomination Here

  • No vacant positions 

  • Vice Chair 
  • Associate Lead 

Submit Nomination Here

  • No vacant positions 

  • No vacant positions 

  • Associate Lead 
  • Trainee Lead 

Submit Nomination Here