Dear ADA community:
In the aftermath of the difficulty that our community experienced at the New Orleans Scientific Sessions last month, I wanted to make sure you are aware of the processes we’re working through and what you can expect to see from the Board of Directors in the weeks ahead.
The events of our New Orleans meeting are, under our bylaws, required to be reviewed and assessed by our Audit and Governance Committee (AGC). That group – consisting entirely of volunteers, including leaders from the science and medicine community – was charged by the Board immediately following Scientific Sessions to conduct and present a full review of what occurred and to make recommendations about actions the ADA should take in response. As you can imagine, this is a significant task, and we are grateful to the volunteers who are doing this thorough, comprehensive work.
Thus far, the AGC has conducted numerous interviews of volunteers, ADA executives and staff, witnesses, and on-site security personnel. We anticipate that more interviews will yet occur, and that we will see the AGC report in the weeks ahead. Once the committee concludes its work to produce an objective, thorough, and fulsome report, the Board’s job is to review that assessment, which will guide how we approach our work in the future. When that occurs, we will share news with you about steps you can expect to see from us to move our organization forward in a way that reflects the mission of our organization, our deep respect for our colleagues in science and medicine, and perhaps most of all, those with diabetes who we serve.
While this is happening, we appreciate your patience, and for those of you who have shared it, we thank you for your input. I can assure you that the ADA’s leadership is committed to doing what we believe best serves our community and this organization, and we will continue to keep you apprised of our progress.
Respectfully yours,
Chris Ralston
AGC Chair and member of the ADA Board of Directors
