Committees

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.

Willingness to Serve Is Now Open

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. 

We are currently seeking volunteers for terms commencing in May 2026. All terms will last one year, from May 2026 to May 2027, unless otherwise specified. 

The 2026 Willingness to Serve is now open to SGNA members through Tuesday, February 24, 2026. 

Current committee members must also complete the form to continue serving.

Submit Now

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: Deborah Parkinson
  • Committee Members: Kristin Mahaley (Co-chair), Eileen Dauz, Jennifer Passow, Debi Mays, Jocette Tiu
  • Board Liaisons: Ronda Flesch, Natasha Santolla

Budget, Finance, and Audit Committee

The Budget, Finance, and Audit committee and the Articles and Bylaws Member-at-Large assists the BFA committee with the annual budget and reviews the organization's bylaws and articles.

  • Chair: Cathleen Shellnutt
  • Committee Members: Kim Gallub, Teresita Foliacci, Judy Currier, Jay Lardizabal, Bobbie Crider

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
  • Committee Members: Khalilah Ross (Co-chair), Suja Davis, Tashina Gilliam, Hailey Mendez, Janet Fidanze, Jenna McNeel, Janet Servoss
  • Board Liaison: Linda Curtin

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
  • Committee Members: Stephanie Prischak (Co-chair), Heather Edwards, Mary Scott, Emma Gimmel, Heidi Rice
  • Board Liaison: Amy Granato

Program Committee

The Program Committee plans topics and speakers within the Annual Course schedule to meet SGNA member and attendee needs.

  • Chair: Sarah Stainko
  • Committee Members: Catherine Bauer (Co-chair), Damien Carter, Michelle Juan, Virginia Avian, Beth Hogan, Karin Cierzan, Amy Pooler, Christie McAvery
  • Board Liaison: Laura dos Santos

Regional Societies Committee

Supports local regional societies and assists with 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, Virgilio Chito Arcebido
  • Board Liaisons: Emma Rogers, Katy Crenshaw

Nominations & Elections Committee

Responsible for identifying candidates for the SGNA Board of Directors and Nominations & Elections Committee. Next call for nominees launches in fall 2025.

  • Committee Members: Tashina Gilliam, Maria Manguerra, Ricketta Clark, Eileen Dauz
  • Board Liaison: Judy Currier

Other Ways to Get Involved

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 855/25-ABCGN or email info@abcgn.org.

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