Our leadership is a distinguished cadre of esteemed practitioners, career and industry professionals who bring a unique perspective to the work of ACMGF. Many are recognized in the field as "cutting edge" professionals who have successfully laid the foundation of success, and developed the best-practices used in genetics and genomic science that has become the standard today. Specifically, ACMGF leadership is centered on advancing its mission of creating opportunities for others through philanthropy to fund programs and research to achieve better health through genetics for everyone.

ACMGF Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is responsible for the direction and completion of ongoing work of the organization defined by the ACMGF’s mission statement and strategic plan. ACMGF Board members are volunteers and elected by colleagues. Once approved, a member is eligible to serve a term commencing at the ACMG Annual Meeting. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: fundraising and fiduciary governance, oversight of legal and ethical considerations, and strategic direction.
Roster
Nancy J. Mendelsohn, MD, FACMG
President
2023 - 2026
FOUND_BODNancy5Mendelsohn
Bruce R. Korf, MD, PhD, FACMG
Past President
2023 - 2026
FOUND_BODBruce10Korf
Brynn Levy, PhD, MMedSc, FACMG
President-Elect
2024 - 2028
FOUND_BODBrynn15Levy
Sarah H. Elsea, PhD, FACMG
Treasurer
2025 - 2028
FOUND_BODSarah25Elsea
Madhuri Hegde, PhD, FACMG
Secretary
2023 - 2027
FOUND_BODMadhuri25Hegde
Sucheta D. Bhatt, MD, FACMG
Director
2025 - 2027
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Katie Johansen Taber, PhD
Director
2024 - 2028
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Marilyn C. Jones, MD, FACMG
Director
2024 - 2028
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James Lu
Director
2025 - 2027
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Rong Mao, MD, FACMG
Director
2023 - 2027
FOUND_BODRong30Mao
Harry Ostrer, MD, FACMG
Director
2024 - 2028
FOUND_BODHarry30Ostrer
Aleksandar Rajkovic, MD, FACMG
Director
2020 - 2028
FOUND_BODAleksandar30Rajkovic
Lisa G. Shaffer, PhD, , FACMG
Director
2024 - 2028
FOUND_BODLisa30Shaffer
David Tilstra, MD, MBA, FACMG
Director
2019 - 2028
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Mira B. Irons, MD, FACMG
Ex-Officio Representative
2023 - 2027
FOUND_BODMira35Irons
Susan D. Klugman, MD, FACMG
Ex-Officio Representative
2021 - 2027
FOUND_BODSusan35Klugman
Christa L. Lese Martin, PhD, FACMG
Ex-Officio Representative
2025 - 2027
FOUND_BODChrista35Lese Martin
Melanie Wells, MPH, CAE
Chief Executive Officer
2023 - 2029
FOUND_BODMelanie45Wells, MPH, CAE
Alexis Morgan, MPH
Staff
2023 - 2026
FOUND_BODAlexis51Morgan
Nataly Schwartz, MBA
Staff
2020 - 2026
FOUND_BODNataly51Schwartz

ACMGF President

Nancy J. Mendelsohn, MD, FACMG
Previously the Chief Medical Officer for Complex Health Solutions at UnitedHealthcare and a clinical leader serving in both the Optum and UnitedHealth Group organizations, Dr. Mendelsohn is a clinical geneticist, physician-scientist, healthcare executive and researcher with leadership experience. Her role as Chief of Specialty Pediatrics at Children’s Minnesota, one of the largest children’s hospital centers in the United States, included the strategy and development of the multi-specialty physician practice.

She has more than 50 peer-reviewed publications, book chapters and presentations. Dr. Mendelsohn received a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology from Indiana University and an MD from the University of Missouri. She completed a residency in pediatrics and a fellowship in medical genetics at St. Louis Children’s Hospital at Washington University in St. Louis.

Early on as a general pediatrician and an Assistant Professor, Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, at the University of Minnesota Medical School, she established the first genetics service at Hennepin County Medical Center. Dr. Mendelsohn then would go on to build the genetics program at Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare and Children’s Hospital Minnesota from as little as two clinicians to the largest genetics program in the Upper Midwest. She has served broadly on national committees for the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the ACMG, the ABMGG, and Children’s Minnesota.

Interim Chief Executive Officer
Interim Chief Executive Officer
Melissa T. Forburger
Interim Chief Executive Officer
7101 Wisconsin Avenue
Suite 990 Bethesda,
MD 20814
 
301-718-9603
 
ceo@acmg.net

Melissa T. Forburger, CAE, SHRM-CP, is a seasoned nonprofit association executive with more than 30 years’ experience leading organizational operations, optimizing governance, and delivering value to mission-driven membership organizations. Recognized for her collaborative approach, Melissa has dedicated her career to enhancing organizational performance and supporting the professional needs of nonprofit associations. Her comprehensive background spans membership engagement, volunteer management, strategic planning, financial management, human resource management, and operational excellence

Stepping in as Interim CEO in 2025 was a natural fit for Melissa, who previously served the College for nearly a decade, including in a senior leadership capacity as the Director of Administration where she oversaw strategic initiatives, program development, and cross-departmental operations. Her long-standing familiarity with ACMG’s mission, culture, and membership makes her exceptionally well-positioned to guide the organization through this period of transition.

Melissa has held key leadership roles focused on organizational effectiveness, strategic planning, and program management. Throughout her career, both within ACMG and externally, she has been recognized for fostering collaboration, strengthening internal processes, and aligning complex programs with organizational goals.

In her interim role, Melissa will oversee daily operations and work closely with ACMG and Foundation leadership and staff to ensure continuity across all programs, member services, strategic initiatives, and partnerships.

Melissa and her husband Dave live in the DC suburbs with their three (almost) grown children and loveable labradoodle Archie.