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.
2026 Willingness to Serve Is Closed
Volunteering on a committee is a premier opportunity for you to get involved with the SGNA community, expand your professional network and help advance the gastroenterology nursing profession.
The 2026 Willingness to Serve closed Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
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 the goals of SGNA.
- Chair: Catherine Bauer
- Co-Chair: Jocette Jazel Tiu
- Committee Members: Michelle Herman, James Collins, Deborah Mays, Karla Santos
- Director Liaison: Linda Curtin
Budget, Finance, and Audit Committee
The Budget, Finance, and Audit Committee assists with the annual budget and financial oversight of the organization.
- Chair: Laura dos Santos
- Committee Members: Teresita Foliacci, Cathleen Shellnutt, Kim Gallub, Jay Lardizabal
- Member at Large: Ainsley Coley
Articles & Bylaws Committee
The Articles & Bylaws Committee reviews and recommends updates to SGNA’s governing documents.
- Chair: Jay Lardizabal
- Committee Members: Kim Gallub, Teresita Foliacci, Cathleen Shellnutt
- Member at Large: Ainsley Coley
Education Committee
The Education Committee directs educational activities and publications that enhance the lifelong educational growth of nurses and associates in gastroenterology and endoscopy.
- Chair: Laura Clark
- Co-Chair: Tashina Gilliam
- Committee Members: Felisha Wright, Lerice Nicole Crayton, Natalie Helbig, Michele Maines, Kathleen Holloway, Suja Davis, Janet Fidanze, Janet Servoss
- Director Liaison: Katy Crenshaw
Practice Committee
The Practice Committee ensures practice-related products and services are current and develops new items to meet member needs and support SGNA’s mission.
- Chair: Susan Bocian
- Co-Chair: Stephanie Prischarki
- Committee Members: Heather Edwards, Emma Gimmel, Heidi Rice, Megan Strolli
- Director Liaisons: Amy Granato, Keith Bilbrew
Program Committee
The Program Committee plans topics and speakers within the Annual Course schedule to meet SGNA member and attendee needs.
- Chair: Karin Cierzan
- Co-Chair: Beth Hogan
- Committee Members: Deborah Parkinson, Damien Carter, Jodi Freedman, Jennifer Leitner, Michelle Juan, Teri Derimanoczy
- Director Liaison: Bonnie Streeter
Regional Societies Committee
Supports local regional societies and assists with planning regional leadership conference sessions.
- Chair: Jill Bendiske-Minor
- Co-Chair: Blair Eason
- Committee Members: Elle Sawyer, Dianah Von Mesina, Laura Leiser, Angelita Hamill, Roy Roberts, Sherri Scott
- Director Liaisons: Emma Rogers, Robin Dove
Nominations & Elections Committee
Responsible for identifying candidates for the SGNA Board of Directors and Nominations & Elections Committee.
- Committee Members: Nichole Burke, Tanya Cain, Stephanie Dumorne Chan, Melissa Giron
- Director Liaison: Kim Gallub
Other Ways to Get Involved
Gut to the Chase: An SGNA Podcast Series provides convenient, brief pearls of information important to gastroenterology nursing. Interested in being featured? Complete this form and submit to SGNA for consideration.
We'd love to hear from you! Contact SGNA Headquarters with questions about volunteer opportunities.
Interested in serving on a committee or task force for ABCGN? Contact ABCGN Headquarters via phone at 312.321.5157 or email info@abcgn.org.