Get Involved With SGNA!
SGNA offers unique and rewarding opportunities for you to be part of the gastroenterology community. Serving as a volunteer on a SGNA committee is your opportunity to share your knowledge, passion and skills with the Society while learning from and networking with your colleagues.
SGNA Committees
Learn more about each committee below and reach out to committee chairs for additional information.
Awards Committee
The Awards Committee grants scholarships and awards, recognizing those who have demonstrated a dedication to GI nursing, continuing education and to the goals of SGNA.
- Chair: Deborah Parkinson
- Committee Members: Kristin Mahaley (Co-chair), Eileen Dauz, Jennifer Passow, Debi Mays, and Jocette Tiu
- Board Liasons: Ronda Flesch and Natasha Santolla
Budget Finance and Audit Committee
The Budget, Finance, and Audit committee and the Articles and Bylaws Member-at-Large is an appointed member that assists the BFA committee with the annual budget creation and participates in the review of the organization's bylaws and articles.
- Chair: Cathleen Shellnutt
- Committee Members: Kim Gallub, Teresita Foliacci, Judy Currier, Jay Lardizabal, and Bobbie Crider
Education Committee
The Education Committee strategically directs the creation of educational activities and publications that address the educational needs of the practitioners and designs educational activities, which enhance the lifelong educational growth of nurses and associates in gastroenterology and endoscopy.
- Chair: Laura Clark
- Committee Members: Khalilah Ross (Co-chair), Suja Davis, Tashina Gilliam, Hailey Mendez, Janet Fidanze, Jenna McNeel, and Janet Servoss
- Board Liaison: Linda Curtin
Practice Committee
The Practice Committee ensures that practice-related products and services are kept current and new practice-related items are developed to meet member needs and assist in the achievement of SGNA’s mission statement and goals.
- Chair: Susan Bocian
- Committee Members: Stephanie Prischak (Co-chair), Heather Edwards, Mary Scott, Emma Gimmel, and Heidi Rice
- Board Liaison: Amy Granato
Program Committee
The Program Committee plans relevant and diverse topics and associated speakers within the Annual Course schedule to meet the various needs of the SGNA membership and course attendees.
- Chair: Sarah Stainko
- Committee Members: Catherine Bauer (Co-chair), Damien Carter, Michelle Juan, Virginia Avian, Beth Hogan, Karin Cierzan, Amy Pooler, and Christie McAvery
- Board Liaison: Laura dos Santos
Regional Societies Committee
The Regional Societies Committee works with local regional societies to provide support and direction for any questions, issues and accomplishments that arise within their assigned regional societies. Additionally, they assist in planning regional leadership conference sessions.
- Chair: Jill Bendiske-Minor
- Committee Members: Lisa Brown (Co-chair), Blair Eason, Dianah Von Mesina, Suely Giesen, Amy Hites, Candace Leach, and Virgilio Chito Arcebido
- Board Liaisons: Emma Rogers and Katy Crenshaw
Nominations and Elections Committee
The Nominations & Elections Committee is responsible for identifying candidates for the both the SGNA Board of Directors and Nominations & Elections Committee. The committee sources and vets candidates in order to put forth a slate that is approved by membership and then Board of Directors. The next call for nominees will launch in fall 2025.
- Committee Members: Tashina Gilliam, Maria Manguerra, Ricketta Clark, and Eileen Dauz
- Board Liaison: Judy Currier
Willingness to Serve
Interested in shaping the future of SGNA? Join a committee, contribute your expertise, and connect with peers who are passionate about GI nursing.
Submissions for the 2025 Willingness to Serve closed on February 24.
Volunteer applications for 2026 will open in late January 2026.
Other Ways to Get Involved
We'd love to hear from you! Contact SGNA Headquarters with any questions about SGNA volunteer opportunities.
Interested in serving on a committee or task force for the American Board of Certification for Gastroenterology Nurses (ABCGN)? Please contact ABCGN Headquarters via phone at 855/25-ABCGN or via email at info@abcgn.org.