Bylaws

ARTICLE I. NAME AND PURPOSE

SECTION 1.
The name of this organization shall be the Innovation and Technology Division (INT) of the Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine (ADLM).

SECTION 2.
The purpose of the Division shall be to further and promote the professional and public interest by encouraging the study, advancing the science, expanding, and improving, through education, the practice and quality of Innovation and Technology Division (INT).

SECTION 3.
The Innovation and Technology Division fosters the development of new approaches and tools to be applied to various disciplines within laboratory medicine. Within the Innovation and Technology Division, members exchange expertise, network, and work to incorporate new methodologies into clinical diagnostics. From basic lateral flow immunoassays to mass spectrometry-based techniques to large-scale omics-based approaches, the Innovation and Technology Division strives to support the development of new assays, methods, and platforms that may be used for scientific research or developed with the goal of clinical translation.

The members of the Innovation and Technology Division have diverse backgrounds and expertise; members include scientists from industry, academia, and practicing clinicians. In addition to providing regular educational and networking opportunities for members, the Innovation and Technology Division promotes an environment that is collaborative and supportive of scientific advancement for all members. The Innovation and Technology Division hosts meetups and mentoring sessions with experts for members interested in learning more about specific types of technology.

ARTICLE II. OBJECTIVES

The Innovation and Technology Division will work in collaboration with the Local Sections, other Divisions of the Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine, and other professional organizations to promote and achieve the following objectives:

To act as a resource or expert group to the Association in all matters related to the clinical application and understanding of the Innovation and Technology Division’s core topic.
To provide a forum for sharing knowledge, ideas, experiences and strategies in accordance with the Innovation and Technology Division’s core subject area, description, and mission.
To promote ongoing communication among members, users, manufacturers and oversight groups.
To promote awareness of issues unique to the Innovation and Technology Division, including scientific, clinical, financial, administrative and regulatory aspects.
To provide continuing education on issues and developments in Innovation and Technology Division through conferences, programs, workshops, roundtables, newsletters and by electronic means.
To develop and promote reference materials, standards, guidelines, and common approaches within the Innovation and Technology Division's sector, and to provide expertise to legislators and regulators in furtherance of the public interest.

ARTICLE III. Benchmarks

SECTION 1.
In order to accomplish the general objectives of the Division and the Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine, a variety of activities will be pursued. The Innovation and Technology Division will be measured on their activities by the following benchmarks.

BENCHMARK AREAS

EDUCATION: Provide opportunities for members to learn new information and gain knowledge about their area of specialty. Activities may include, but are not limited to: seminars, sponsored scientific sessions at the ASM, webinars/virtual programs, publications in ADLM journals, development of teaching curriculum, educational programs for trainees, professional development workshop (e.g., grant writing workshop).

For example, the division could develop virtual training sessions that provide practical skills and knowledge applicable to members' areas of specialty. These can include laboratory techniques, data analysis methods, or new technology implementation.

MEMBER ENGAGEMENT: Encourage new members to join the division. Organize activities that facilitate participation and information exchange between members. Activities may include, but are not limited to: networking mixer or luncheon at the Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM), Artery community interaction, awards and recognition (for travel or poster, etc.), mentorship programs, and newsletter.

For example, the division could develop a “Member Spotlights” program to highlight and recognize members' achievements, contributions, and success stories through regular member spotlights in newsletters, social media platforms, the Artery, etc. Additionally, the division could develop a mentorship program to include cross-divisional mentorship opportunities, enabling members to benefit from diverse perspectives and expertise beyond their immediate specialty.

ADVOCACY & OUTREACH: Partner with ADLM to participate in advocacy efforts. Activities may include, but are not limited to: technical consulting on policy issues, advocacy document preparation and/or review (e.g., harmonization, pediatric reference intervals, etc.), partnership with other government agencies or clinical societies, giving presentations about ADLM and lab medicine to other stakeholders, developing materials to inform the public about the field of lab medicine or current issues in the field.

For example, the division could develop Legislative Action Alerts and establish a system to promptly notify members about relevant legislative actions or policy developments affecting the field of lab medicine, providing guidance on advocacy efforts, and facilitating member engagement. A division could collaborate with the PEACC to develop talking points related to a need in laboratory medicine for congressional visits.

SCIENCE & RESEARCH: Initiate new programs to promote scientific interest of ADLM members and build resources to support members’ scientific interests. Activities may include, but are not limited to: CLSI or other organization draft guidelines and standards review, information database for the lab medicine community, division- sponsored publications, division-sponsored/led research studies, and grant applications.

For example, the division could organize virtual division-led research symposiums that provide a platform for members to present their research findings, exchange scientific insights, and foster collaborations.

OPERATIONS & SPONSORSHIPS: Improve division operations and/or structure to better support its activities. Activities may include, but are not limited to: governance document revision, fundraising initiatives, improve meeting productivity, implement changes to meet project deadlines, etc.

For example, the division could focus on Process Improvement Initiatives and conduct regular evaluations of division operations and processes, identifying areas for improvement and implementing strategies to enhance efficiency and member engagement.

SECTION 2.

BENCHMARK MEASUREMENTS

The Innovation and Technology Division Chair will submit an annual report describing the state of the division and adherence to designated benchmarks to ADLM staff at the end of each fiscal year (March 31). ADLM staff will provide the report template and instructions for completion. Reports will be evaluated by the SPCC.

SECTION 3.

DIVISION STATUS

A Division’s status will be determined by the SPCC and be labeled in accordance with the Division’s performance.

FUNCTIONAL DIVISION: Meets or exceeds goals in four of the five Benchmark Areas.
NONPERFORMING DIVISION: Meets goals in three or less benchmark areas. Division will be instructed by the SPCC to re-examine activities and develop an improvement plan.

The SPCC will formulate an improvement plan to collaboratively address divisions that do not meet the designated benchmark areas. Any consequential measures, such as a division merger, transition to SIG, or dissolution, necessitated by their performance, will be subject to review and approval of the board of directors.

ARTICLE IV. MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1.
Membership in the Division shall be open to all members of ADLM who indicate at the time of joining ADLM or renewing their membership that they wish to join the Division and who pay the annual dues established by the Division.

SECTION 2.
Privileges of membership in the Division shall be established by the Core Leadership Officers and may include but are not restricted to, reduced registration fees at Division symposia, workshops, and other meetings (e.g. regional) that are not part of an ADLM annual meeting.

SECTION 3.
Only Members may hold Division offices or committee appointments or may vote in elections of the Division. Only Members may represent the Division in professional matters.

SECTION 4.
Any member may resign by so indicating in writing to the Division Secretary. No refund of Division dues shall be forthcoming.

ARTICLE V. OFFICERS

SECTION 1.
Officers of the Division shall be Members in good standing of ADLM and the Division. The Division officer board will consist of a set of Core Leadership Officers and Supporting Officers. Officer positions are elected (by the Division membership) or appointed (by the Core Leadership), as indicated below. Officer duties are defined in Section 4.

Core Leadership Officers:

Chair - risen to via Chair-Elect, two year term
Chair-Elect - elected, one-year term
Past-Chair - risen to via Chair, one-year term
Secretary - elected, two-year term
Treasurer - elected, two-year term
Science & Practice Advisor - elected, three-year term

Supporting Officers:

Education Representative - appointed, two-year term
Member Engagement Coordinator - appointed, two-year term
Advocacy & outreach Coordinator - appointed, two-year term
Operations & Sponsorship Coordinator - appointed, two-year term
Early Career Representative - appointed, one-year term

SECTION 2.

The term lengths of office shall be defined as listed in Section 1. The Chair elect will be elected every other year. The Chair-elect will rise to the role of Chair after a year. The Chair will serve for two years then rise to the role of Past-Chair. Past-Chair will serve for one year. People serving in the roles of Chair-Elect, Chair, & Past-Chair will serve for a total of four years in the division Core Leadership Officers. The Secretary and Treasurer will be elected in alternating years (odd and even years respectively). The Science & Practice Advisor will be elected every three years. The Education Representative and Advocacy & Outreach Coordinator will be appointed on odd years and serve for two years. The Member Engagement Coordinator and Operations & Sponsorship Coordinator will be elected on even years and serve for two years. The Early Career Representative will be appointed every year and must be in training (residency and/or pre-clinical or research fellowship) OR be within seven (7) years of starting their career/faculty appointment to be nominated for the position.
Members cannot hold the same leadership position for consecutive terms. If leadership positions are unable to be filled, consecutive terms or extensions may be granted on a case-by-case basis by the SPCC.

SECTION 3.

Elections shall be by ballot. Ballots will be returned by an electronic voting system. The Officers of the division will ensure that all nominees are qualified to run for the open seats. All nominees must have agreed to serve in the role before having their names placed on the ballot. Nominees for open seats will be collected and presented to ADLM staff by the Division Secretary. Votes for write-in candidates will also be recognized. Ballots for Core Leadership roles and the Science & Practice Advisor will be run and counted by ADLM staff. The election will be held via the preferential single transferable vote method. ADLM staff have the discretion to choose the method of voting if deemed necessary by ADLM staff and the SPCC. In the event of a tie, additional votes will be held until a winner is selected. ADLM staff and the SPCC have the discretion to decide an election’s results should there be either the same amount or more seats open than there are candidates running for the position.
Elections will be held once per Fiscal year starting in April and concluding by the final day in May of that year.

SECTION 4.
Duties of the core officers shall be those generally associated with these titles and any additional duties assigned by the Core Leadership. These duties shall include the following elements:

Chair: The Chair is a key leadership position within the division, responsible for providing strategic guidance, fostering collaboration, and ensuring effective governance of the division board. The Chair works closely with other board members, ADLM staff, and external stakeholders (such as sponsors) to advance the organization's mission and objectives. Their responsibilities include:
1. Strategic Leadership: The Chair provides strategic direction and leadership to the board, ensuring alignment with ADLM’s mission and strategic initiatives. They collaborate with board members to develop and implement strategic plans, set goals that align with the Division Benchmark Goals, and monitor progress towards achieving them. The Chair is charged with applying the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) lens in all community engagement and program opportunities.
2. Division Board Governance: The Chair maintains effective board governance. They ensure compliance with ADLM’s bylaws and policies. The Chair facilitates board meetings, sets the agenda, and promotes active participation and open communication among board members. They also oversee board orientation, training, and benchmark evaluation processes.
3. Collaboration and Team Building: The Chair fosters a culture of collaboration and teamwork among board members. They promote inclusivity, respect diverse perspectives, and encourage open dialogue.
  1. The division Chair will meet at least twice a year with the Early Career Representative and provide clear goals and expectations and informal mentoring.
4. Board Development and Succession Planning: The Chair plays a key role in board development and succession planning. They may help identify and recruit individuals who bring diverse expertise and perspectives to the board. The Chair may collaborate with a nominating or governance committee to identify potential board candidates.
5. External Representation: The Chair may serve as the primary spokesperson for the division if necessary.
6. Financial Oversight: The Chair collaborates with the board, treasurer and ADLM staff to ensure the Division’s financial sustainability. They review and approve budgets, financial reports, and fundraising strategies. The Chair may participate in fundraising activities and cultivate sponsor relationships.
7. Prior board/leadership experience is not mandatory; however, active membership is deemed imperative.
8. The Chair shall bear the responsibility of assigning tasks and responsibilities to the Chair-Elect and Past-Chair.
9. The Chair assumes ultimate accountability for supervising all benchmark activities and progress, collaborating with the Secretary to submit the comprehensive annual report.
10. The Chair will serve a two (2) year term.
Chair-Elect: The Chair-Elect is a leadership role within the division that works closely with the Chair to support the strategic guidance, collaboration, and effective governance of the division board. The Chair-Elect is typically in a transitional phase, preparing to assume the role of Chair in the future. Their responsibilities encompass various areas, including strategic leadership, division board governance, collaboration and team building, board development and succession planning, external representation, and financial oversight. Their responsibilities include:
1. Strategic Leadership: The Chair-Elect provides strategic direction and leadership to the board, ensuring alignment with the organization's mission and strategic initiatives. They work collaboratively with board members to develop and implement strategic plans, set goals, and monitor progress towards achieving them.
2. Division Board Governance: The Chair-Elect plays a vital role in maintaining effective board governance and participating in key decisions and voting.
3. Collaboration and Team Building: The Chair-Elect fosters a culture of collaboration and teamwork among board members. They promote inclusivity, respect diverse perspectives, and encourage open dialogue to facilitate effective decision-making and problem-solving within the division.
4. Board Development and Succession Planning: The Chair-Elect actively contributes to board development and succession planning. They may assist in identifying and recruiting individuals who bring diverse expertise and perspectives to the board. Collaborating with the Core Leadership, the Chair-Elect helps identify potential board candidates to ensure a well-rounded and capable board.
5. External Representation: In some cases, the Chair-Elect may serve as the primary spokesperson for the division, representing its interests and communicating with external stakeholders as needed. This may involve representing the division at events, conferences, or meetings with sponsors or partners.
6. Financial Oversight: The Chair-Elect collaborates with the board and relevant organizational staff to ensure the division's financial sustainability. They review and approve budgets, financial reports, and fundraising strategies. Additionally, the Chair-Elect may participate in fundraising activities and cultivate relationships with sponsors or potential donors.
7. Prior board/leadership experience is not mandatory; however, active membership is deemed imperative.
8. If the Chair is unable to attend external events, conferences, or meetings, the Chair-elect may serve as the division's representative and may assume the role of Chair in the absence of the incumbent Chair.
9. The Chair-Elect will serve a one (1) year term the year preceding their Chair term.
Past-Chair: The Past-Chair plays an important leadership role within the Division and is held by an individual who has completed their term as the Chair. The primary responsibilities of the Past-Chair revolve around providing guidance, leveraging organizational memory, and offering continuous support to the current Chair. This position is crucial in ensuring smooth transitions and maintaining the stability and continuity of the board's leadership. Key responsibilities include:
1. Guiding the Current Chair: The Past-Chair acts as a trusted advisor to the current chairperson, offering guidance based on their experience and knowledge. They provide insights and perspectives on strategic decisions, governance matters, and complex issues, assisting the current chair in their leadership role.
2. Sharing Organizational Memory: The Past-Chair possesses valuable institutional knowledge and historical context. They play a pivotal role in preserving and sharing this information with the current Chair and board. This involves recalling past decisions, policies, and initiatives, which helps the division learn from its past experiences and maintain consistency.
3. Transition Support: During leadership transitions, the Past-Chair acts as a mentor and resource for the incoming chair. They help in understanding the responsibilities, expectations, and challenges associated with the role. By sharing lessons learned and best practices, the Past-Chair contributes to a seamless transition and helps the new Chair succeed.
4. Board Development: The Past-Chair actively participates in board development initiatives, including training, orientation programs, and workshops. They collaborate with the current Chair to identify areas of improvement, enhance board effectiveness, and ensure a strong governance framework. Drawing from their own experience, the Past-Chair offers valuable insights on board dynamics and leadership development.
5. Advocacy and Representation: While the Past-Chair no longer holds the active chair position, they may still represent the division at external events, conferences, and meetings and may serve as Chair in the absence of the Chair.
6. The Past-Chair will serve a one (1) year term immediately following their Chair term.
Secretary: The Secretary plays a critical role on the leadership board, responsible for managing administrative tasks, maintaining accurate records and taking meeting minutes, and facilitating effective communication among board members. The Secretary's charges include:
1. Meeting Coordination: The Secretary is central in organizing board meetings. They collaborate with the Chair to set meeting dates, develop agendas, and distribute meeting materials to board members in advance. During meetings, the Secretary records minutes, ensuring accurate documentation of discussions, decisions, and action items. ADLM staff will work closely with the Secretary to support meetings and organize Zoom calls if necessary.
2. Preparation and Distribution: The Secretary assists in the preparation and timely distribution of various division documents, such as meeting agendas, minutes, and annual reports. They ensure that these documents are accurate, well-formatted, and readily accessible to board members. Collaboration with other board members and staff may be required to compile reports and gather relevant data.
3. Record Keeping: The Secretary assumes the crucial responsibility of maintaining the official records and organizational documents of the division. This encompasses record-keeping of essential materials, including meeting minutes, bylaws, and policies. Additionally, the Secretary maintains an up-to-date roster of board members, including their contact information and terms of service. Safeguarding the confidentiality of division members' contact information is of paramount importance, and the Secretary is entrusted with ensuring its protection. Under no circumstances shall member data be provided to third parties without explicit permission from the members.
4. Correspondence and Communication: The Secretary facilitates effective communication among division chair(s), board members, division members, and ADLM staff.
5. Governance Support: The Secretary supports board governance by assisting with board orientation, onboarding new members, and providing guidance on the organization's bylaws and governance policies.
6. Board Elections: The Secretary oversees board elections and works closely with ADLM staff to make sure elections take place in a timely manner. They coordinate the nomination and voting procedures and maintain records of election results.
7. The Secretary will work closely with the Member Engagement Coordinator to help plan and record all Member Engagement activities and will collaborate with the Chair to oversee documentation of all benchmarking goals.
8. Confidentiality: The Secretary upholds the highest standards of confidentiality in handling sensitive information discussed during board meetings and in maintaining board records, including division member contact information. The Secretary works closely with ADLM staff when conflict-of-interest forms are required by board members.
9. The Secretary will serve a two (2) year term.
Treasurer: The Treasurer is responsible for managing the financial affairs of the division and providing financial oversight to the leadership board. Key responsibilities include:
1. Financial Management: The Treasurer oversees the division’s financial activities, including budgeting, financial planning, and reporting. They work closely with the division board and ADLM staff to develop annual budgets, monitor financial performance, and ensure effective allocation of resources for all division activities, including webinars, accreditation, awards.
2. Budget Management: The Treasurer is responsible for managing the division budget, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and effectively. They monitor expenses, track return on investment (ROI) for marketing activities, and provide regular budget reports to the leadership board.
3. Fundraising and Revenue Generation: The Treasurer contributes to the organization's fundraising efforts by providing financial insights, assisting in the development of fundraising strategies, and collaborating with the Marketing & Sponsorship Coordinator.
4. The Treasurer will serve a two (2) year term.
Science & Practice Advisor: The Science & Practice Advisor provides expert guidance on scientific and lab practice topics, drawing on their in-depth knowledge and experience in the division’s respective field(s). They help the division board assess science and practice opportunities, challenges, and emerging trends that impact the division’s mission and objectives. They ensure that the division meets the Science & Research Benchmark Goals and communicate their activities to the division Chair. They assist the division in the following areas:
1. Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: The Science & Practice Advisor is critical in facilitating collaboration and knowledge exchange among members from different science practice areas. They will help bridge the gaps between these disciplines, encouraging interdisciplinary dialogue among the members.
2. Research and Evaluation: The Science & Practice Advisor’s expertise will be instrumental in evaluating research proposals, scientific projects, and initiatives undertaken by the division. The Science & Practice Advisor will provide valuable insights to ensure the scientific rigor, methodology, and relevance of the division’s research activities, and contribute to maintaining high standards of scientific excellence. The Science & Practice Advisor may lead a nominating committee for abstract awards, be charged with developing ASM scientific session proposals, webinars, etc.
3. Strategic Input: The Science & Practice Advisor will actively participate in division leadership discussions and strategic planning sessions, offering scientific perspectives and evidence-based recommendations.
4. External Representation: As a recognized scientific expert, the Science & Practice Advisor may represent the division at ADLM ASM networking events and other relevant forums.
5. The Science & Practice Advisor is expected to serve as the Science & Practice Core Committee (SPCC) liaison (exceptions may occur).
6. The Science & Practice Advisor will be responsible for discussing the Science & Research Benchmark goals with division leadership and helping the division meet their goals and record activity outcomes.
7. The Science & Practice Advisor will serve a three (3) year term. The Science & Practice Advisor is expected to serve as the Science & Practice Core Committee liaison, with a term length of three (3) years.

SECTION 5.
Duties of the supporting officers shall be those generally associated with these titles and any additional duties assigned by the Core Leadership. These duties shall include the following elements:

Education Representative: The Education Representative will play an important role within the division, focused on advancing educational initiatives and fostering mentoring opportunities for members. The Education Representative will communicate their activities to the division Chair. Responsibilities include:
1. Educational Initiatives: The Education Representative plays a crucial role in developing and implementing educational initiatives that employ the DEI lens within the division. They identify opportunities to enhance members' knowledge and skills through webinars, ASM sessions, and other educational programs. The Education Representative collaborates with division leadership to design and deliver educational content that aligns with the division's goals and addresses emerging trends in the field. The Education Representative may also contribute to the creation of educational resources, such as training materials, or propose a taskforce to develop topical guidelines.
2. Mentoring Programs: Recognizing the importance of mentorship, the Education Representative facilitates mentoring programs within the division. They establish frameworks and guidelines for mentoring relationships, connecting experienced professionals with early-career members or individuals seeking career guidance.
3. Strategic Input: The Education Representative actively participates in division leadership discussions and strategic planning sessions, providing insights and recommendations on educational and mentoring aspects.
4. External Collaboration: The Education Representative may collaborate with external organizations, institutions, or industry partners to promote educational partnerships, sponsorships, or collaborative initiatives.
5. The Education Representative will work closely with the Secretary to help plan and record all Education activities to ensure the division meets their Education Benchmark goals.
6. The Education Coordinator will serve a two (2) year term.
Member Engagement Coordinator: The Member Engagement Coordinator plays a vital role within the division, focused on enhancing member satisfaction, fostering a sense of community, and facilitating active engagement among division members. Their responsibilities include:
1. Member Relations and Communication: The Member Engagement Coordinator serves as a point of contact for division members, cultivating strong relationships and ensuring effective communication channels using the DEI lens. They engage with members through various mediums, such as the Artery, newsletters, emails, social media platforms, and the division's website. The Member Engagement Coordinator disseminates relevant information, updates, and opportunities to keep members informed and engaged.
2. Community Building: The Member Engagement Coordinator takes initiatives to foster connections among division members. They facilitate networking opportunities, virtual or in-person meetups, and any focus groups that may develop within the division.
3. Member Feedback and Needs Assessment: The Member Engagement Coordinator seeks feedback from division members to understand their needs, preferences, and challenges. With support from ADLM staff, they conduct surveys to gather valuable insights and identify areas for improvement. The Member Engagement Coordinator advocates for members' interests and communicates their feedback to division leadership, influencing decision-making processes and program development.
4. Member Recognition and Awards: The Member Engagement Coordinator plays a crucial role in recognizing members' achievements, contributions, and milestones. They may lead a nominating committee for abstract awards, take the lead on proposing ASM session proposals, webinars, etc. to ensure that members' accomplishments are celebrated, fostering a culture of appreciation and motivation.
5. Strategic Input: The Member Engagement Coordinator actively participates in division leadership discussions and strategic planning sessions, providing insights and recommendations on member engagement strategies.
6. The Member Engagement Coordinator will work closely with the Secretary to help plan and record all Member Engagement activities to ensure the division meets Member Engagement Benchmark goals.
7. The Member Engagement Coordinator will serve a two (2) year term.
Advocacy & Outreach Coordinator: The Advocacy Coordinator plays a key role within the division, focused on promoting and advancing the interests, concerns, and goals of the division's members in relevant professional, policy, and public areas. Their responsibilities include:
1. Policy Analysis, Monitoring, and Outreach: The Advocacy & Outreach Coordinator monitors legislative and policy developments that impact the division's field and assesses their potential implications on division members and their work. They keep division leadership and members informed about relevant policy changes, potential advocacy opportunities, and facilitate outreach efforts to raise awareness among stakeholders.
2. Stakeholder Engagement and External Representation: The Advocacy Coordinator represents the division in relevant advocacy coalitions, task forces, or working groups and liaises with the Policy and External Affairs Core Committee (PEACC) when necessary. The Advocacy Coordinator establishes the division's credibility as an expert resource in the field and advocates for policies that align with the division's mission.
3. Member Education, Empowerment, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): The Advocacy & Outreach Coordinator plays a vital role in educating division members about advocacy issues, policies, and their impact. They actively examine these topics through a DEI lens, ensuring that advocacy efforts are inclusive and address diverse perspectives within the division.
4. Strategic Input: The Advocacy Coordinator actively participates in division leadership discussions and strategic planning sessions, providing insights and recommendations on advocacy strategies.
5. The Advocacy Coordinator will be responsible for planning Advocacy Benchmark goals with division leadership. They will lead efforts to meet division goals and record activity outcomes.
6. The Advocacy & Outreach Coordinator will serve a two (2) year term.
Operations & Sponsorship Coordinator: The Operations & Sponsorship Coordinator plays a crucial role within the division, focused on managing and contributing to the development of the division’s overall marketing strategy. They work closely with the leadership board and other relevant stakeholders to align marketing initiatives with the division’s goals and target audience to support the division's mission and objectives. Their responsibilities include:
1. Sponsorship Acquisition and Management: The Operations & Sponsorship Coordinator takes the lead in identifying potential sponsors, and coordinating with ADLM staff who have corporate fundraising oversight on developing sponsorship proposals, sponsor outreach, and sponsorship agreements. They coordinate with ADLM staff to cultivate relationships with existing sponsors to ensure their continued support, as well as exploring new sponsorship opportunities to generate revenue for division activities.
2. Resource Allocation and Budgeting: The Operations & Sponsorship Coordinator plays a key role in resource management, including budgeting, financial planning, and fundraising. They work closely with the Secretary to develop and monitor the division's budget, ensuring effective utilization of resources. The Operations & Sponsorship Coordinator may also assist in identifying potential sponsorship opportunities and partnerships to support the division's activities.
3. Project Management: The Operations & Sponsorship Coordinator oversees and coordinates various projects and initiatives within the division. They develop project plans, set milestones, allocate resources, and monitor progress to ensure timely completion of deliverables. The Operations & Sponsorship Coordinator facilitates effective communication and collaboration among division members, fostering a culture of accountability and achievement.
4. The Operations & Sponsorship Coordinator will work closely with division leadership to plan and meet Operations and Sponsorships Benchmark goals with division leadership. They will work closely with the Secretary and Treasurer to meet division operations and financial goals and record activity outcomes, including any division award details.
5. The Operations & Sponsorship Coordinator will serve a two (2) year term.
Early Career Representative(s): the Early Career Representative serves as a dedicated position within the division governance board to represent the interests and perspectives of early career professionals or members at the beginning stages of their careers. This position ensures that early career individuals' unique needs, challenges, and aspirations are considered in the division’s governance, decision-making processes, and activities. The division Chair will meet at least twice a year with the Early Career Representative and provide clear goals and expectations and informal mentoring. Responsibilities include:
1. Community Engagement: The Early Career Representative actively engages with the early career community, gather feedback, and advocates for initiatives that promote professional development, mentorship opportunities, and organizational engagement using the DEI lens.
2. Collaboration: The Early Career Representative collaborates with other division board members and participates in conversations about policies, governance, programs, and resources that support the growth and advancement of early career professionals within the division.
3. The Early Career Representative will work with other division leaders, particularly the Member Engagement Coordinator, to organize activities facilitating participation and information exchange between members. Activities include but are not limited to: networking mixer or luncheon at the Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM), Artery community interaction, awards and recognition (for travel or poster, etc.), and newsletter.
4. The Early Career Representative will serve a one (1) year term with the option to renew.

SECTION 6.
Appointed positions will be recruited for, reviewed, and selected during each Election cycle. The Core Leadership Officers will hold a call for interest on the division’s public forums. In this Call for interest, the appointed positions will be offered and described. Members will be invited to nominate themselves or others for positions. Nominees must acknowledge and accept the nomination to be considered on the list of candidates. Nominees will be presented to the Core Leadership Officers to select nominees that will be appointed according to their qualifications, expertise, and dedication to the division’s goals.

SECTION 7.
Removal of Officers. Any officer who is negligent in fulfilling their duties as described in these Bylaws, or who willfully and knowingly violates Division or ADLM policy, and who is given a no-confidence vote by a majority of the total Core Leadership, shall be removed from office. The Core Leadership Officers will notify ADLM staff of the intention to remove an officer before a no-confidence vote is taken.

SECTION 8.
A vacancy in any office other than that of the Chair, whether created by resignation, removal, death or otherwise, shall be filled at the next scheduled ballot for officers. In the interim, the Chair may appoint a temporary officer subject to the approval of the Core Leadership Officers. A vacancy in the office of the Chair will be filled by the Chair-elect for the remainder of the unexpired term and for the following term as well.

ARTICLE VII. FINANCES

SECTION 1.
The fiscal year of the Division shall correspond to that of the ADLM’s Fiscal year (April 1 – March 31).

SECTION 2.
Members shall pay annual dues, the amount of which shall be decided yearly by ADLM in accordance with the bylaws of ADLM. Dues will be collected by ADLM.

SECTION 3.
The Core Leadership Officers have authority over all contracts, agreements, expenditures, and any other business of the Division in accordance with the guidelines in the ADLM Divisions Policy and Procedures Manual. The Core Officers may empower the Chair, or other elected or appointed officers, to act independently on its behalf, subject to financial limitations.

ARTICLE VIII. MEETINGS

SECTION 1.
The Division shall hold educational and/or social sessions at the ADLM Annual Meeting and other meetings, when approved by the Core Leadership Officers.

SECTION 2.
The Core Leadership Officers may call special meetings of the Division, if notice is given to the membership by email and/or on the Artery forum at least eight weeks in advance. If business is to be conducted at such a meeting, the specific nature of the business is to be made public as well as the outcome of decisions reached at such a meeting.

SECTION 3.
Advance Notice and Proxy Voting: Provide advance notice of the meeting and the items to be voted on. Voting may be performed by Division members during a meeting, through email, an online voting platform, or by appointing a proxy to vote on their behalf. Allow members who cannot attend to submit their votes in advance via proxy voting.

Proxy Representatives: Allow members to designate a proxy representative who can attend the meeting on their behalf and vote on issues according to their instructions. This ensures that even if the member(s) cannot attend, their voice is still represented in the decision-making process. Proxy voters must be registered with ADLM staff in advance of any scheduled vote. The advance notice will include explicit written guidelines outlining the procedures for appointing a proxy and submitting votes remotely. To ensure the integrity of the voting process, robust measures shall be established for verifying the identity of proxy voters. Such measures will include verification of ADLM and Division member status by ADLM staff.

Quorum Requirement: If a quorum is required, it will be set at 20% of the total Division membership. This ensures that decisions can still be made even if only a fraction of the total membership is present during a meeting. A quorum of 20% has been chosen to strike a balance between ensuring representation and facilitating decision-making efficiency. To facilitate the achievement of the 20% quorum requirement, advance notice of meetings and voting items will be provided to all members. Additionally, members who cannot attend in person will have the option to submit their votes in advance via proxy voting, as outlined above. By setting the quorum at 20%, we ensure that decisions are made with the support of a substantial portion of the membership, while allowing for flexibility in attendance through advance notice and proxy voting mechanisms.

ARTICLE IX. PUBLICATIONS

SECTION 1.
The Division is encouraged to communicate with its members via the Artery. The Division may also communicate via email, and postings may be published on the dedicated Division web site. Upon approval of the Core Leadership Officers, the Division may also publish books, articles, monographs, etc., that are appropriate to its educational mission.

ARTICLE X. ENACTMENT, AMENDMENT AND LIMITATION OF BYLAWS

SECTION 1.
These bylaws shall take effect upon approval of the Division Program Implementation Task Force. The Division Program Implementation Task Force approved these bylaws in 2024.

SECTION 2.
Amendments to these Bylaws may be proposed by the Core Leadership Officers, or by a petition signed by a 20% quorum or more members. Proposed amendments shall take effect upon approval of a 20% quorum of members who vote within 30 days, when polled by a ballot sent to all members.

SECTION 3.
These Bylaws shall be subservient to the Bylaws of the Association of Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine, Inc. In the event of a conflict, the Bylaws of the ADLM shall prevail.

ARTICLE XI. MERGERS AND DISSOLUTION

SECTION 1.
The Division may be dissolved upon approval of a 20% quorum of members who vote within 30 days, when polled by a ballot sent to all members.

SECTION 2.
If necessitated by performance, any consequential measures, such as a merger, transition to a special interest group, or dissolution, will be subject to review and approval of the ADLM board of directors.

SECTION 3.
The Division has no separately owned assets. Any assets in the hands of a Division shall be returned to the ADLM upon dissolution.