by Robert Cottrell, NAACLS Board of Directors President

It was a true honor to be part of the 2024 NAACLS Board of Directors meeting in Park City, Utah. Special thanks to CEO Marisa James and the entire NAACLS staff for hosting such a meaningful gathering that reinforces our mission and vision. One of the most memorable moments was the reception dinner, where we celebrated the contributions of our staff, volunteers, and outgoing board members, Dr. Joel Schilling and Mark Bailey, as well as our Distinguished Service Award honoree, Cecile Sanders.

The evening was a testament to the collective dedication, leadership, and professionalism that make NAACLS strong. Joel’s contributions, particularly his expertise in parliamentary procedures, have been invaluable. He often reminded us, with a smile, that we would “do fine as long as we read Robert’s Rules.” Although Mark couldn’t join us, his mentorship and unwavering support have left a lasting impact, and he was dearly missed.  I know that Mark would have relished the opportunity to test Joel’s resolve in parliamentary procedures one last time.

I was also privileged to announce Cecile Sanders as this year’s DSA recipient, in recognition of her remarkable contributions to our organization and clinical laboratory sciences education. Cecile’s record of nearly 300 self-study reviews and site visits is unmatched. Her dedication to advancing accreditation and raising program standards reflects her exceptional commitment to excellence. This award, presented only for the second time in our history, is a fitting tribute to her integrity, influence, and lasting legacy.

The night was a celebration not only of individual achievements but also of the collective efforts that continue to strengthen NAACLS. The work of our members, from leadership roles to student engagement, makes us a better organization each day. I am grateful for these connections and look forward to continuing this important work together.

NAACLS will begin the process of looking for the 2025 Distinguished Service Award Recipient in November. Keep an eye on the NAACLS News for details.