The Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP), a global molecular diagnostic professional society, announced the appointment of Lauren S. Menser, CAE, as its next CEO, effective Jan. 3, 2024. Menser will succeed Mary Steele Williams, MNA, MT(ASCP)SM, CAE, after her retirement. 

Menser has served AMP in various capacities for more than 17 years. Since 2016, she served as director of Strategic Development, acting as the primary architect of AMP’s alliance, collaboration, and partnership development programs. During her tenure, Menser substantially increased and diversified revenue in her direct areas of responsibility, played a pivotal role in the successful launch of AMP’s international events program, and created the AMP Corporate Advisory Council, according to the association.

“First, on behalf of the AMP Board Members and more than 2,900 members, I would like to thank Mary Williams for her many years of leadership that helped establish AMP as the highly influential professional society it is today. We wish her and her family all the best in a well-deserved retirement,” says Laura Tafe, MD, AMP president and search committee chair. “The selection of AMP’s next chief executive was among the most important tasks facing us this year. Laurie’s extensive association expertise, combined with her familiarity with challenges impacting molecular diagnostics professionals, made her uniquely qualified for this position. We look forward to her continued contributions to our community and the patients we serve in the years to come.” 

Further reading: AMP Publishes Best Practice Recommendations for Liquid Biopsy Assay Validation

AMP’s national search for a new executive leader was administered by an outside consulting firm and overseen by a diverse group of member volunteers. 

Menser is a senior executive with more than 20 years of experience in scientific association leadership. At AMP, she currently manages the membership and marketing & communications teams, in addition to numerous contractors and consultants. She is also a Certified Association Executive (CAE) from the American Society of Association Executives, and a longtime champion of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) efforts. Menser earned a DEI in the Workplace certificate from the University of South Florida in May 2021, and is a team lead in the design and continuing execution of AMP’s robust DEI Action Plan. 

“I am both honored and excited for the opportunity to continue my work at AMP in the role of Chief Executive Officer,” says Menser. “AMP is a remarkable organization with an incredibly bright future.  I look forward to partnering with our Board, volunteers, members, and staff as we work towards AMP’s vision of providing global expertise in molecular testing that drives patient care.”

Featured image: Lauren S. Menser, CAE Photo: AMP