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The Executive Committee consists of the president, two vice presidents and the executive director (ASDA staff). Committee members are elected by ASDA delegates at Annual Session to serve a year-long term. 

The president chairs the Board of Trustees which oversees the development and implementation of the association strategic plan and approves the annual budget. The president serves as chair of the Executive Committee, which is responsible for managing association business between meetings of the Board of Trustees.

The two vice presidents serve as members of the Board of Trustees and the Executive Committee. 

Below are the candidates for the 2020-21 Executive Committee

Aditi Desai, Roseman ’21 
Desai, Aditi EC Headshot

Platform Statement

In August 2017, I vividly recall getting goosebumps from the excitement of hearing ASDA’s various legislative efforts. As a bright eyed D1, I knew ASDA meant being part of something bigger than myself. Fast forward three years later, and the ASDA fever just hasn’t slowed down in me. I’m proud of my accomplishments as a District 10 Trustee and the numerous committees that I’ve served on. ASDA has time and time again fought for licensure reform, something that Utah Dental Association (UDA) did not support. My dogged pursuit finally paid off in my third year, when I was able to convince UDA to start discussions on modernizing dental licensure. I have also built bridges with many dental organizations such as AGD, ADEA, HDA, SCDA and ADA increasing ASDA’s influence on the national and chapter stage. I had the honor of being elected by ASDA’s executive committee to attend the ADA Annual Session in San Francisco. There I participated in the House of Delegates and met the newly elected ADA executive members. Serving as a District Trustee I was able to double the number of district level leadership positions available. As a D2, I served as Vendor Relations Chair and raised around $80,000 for my chapter, while improving relationships with vendors. I played a significant role in instituting several improvements at Roseman University that won us the Gold Crown in 2019.     Despite the achievements, there is significant work to be done. We are closer than ever on pushing the new licensure policy. With the momentum on our side, I have the grit and determination to lead this through. Attending the ADA house of delegates made me realize that many organizations have similar goals. Combining our forces with other dental organizations and collaborating with them means we can tackle issues that matter to dental students such as student debt, access to care and more.  ASDA has a high turnover rate and it is crucial to keep our vision and mission in mind every year. We need to improve what’s not working for students through conference engagement and surveys so that the student’s voice gets heard. The student's opinions need to be be incorporated into the strategic plan for 2021-2023.   Having the opportunity to attend multiple district conferences, I realized each district conference is unique. Generally, the district conferences have the highest attendance thus I would like to introduce some uniformity between them by having presentations on certain topics. This will ensure that each student across the nation has access to that information, providing an avenue to get CE credits for those presentations.   When I look at all the work to be done, I feel inspired and excited because I know working with my fellow peers and students, we will be able to accomplish a lot. My experience succeeding in a variety of roles over the course of three years combined with my tenacity to keep forging ahead will allow me, as president, to advance ASDA’s interests on the national stage.

  • Short Answer Questions (Questions posed to the candidate to evaluate leadership, teamwork and experience relevant to the Executive Committee.)
  • CV
Gerard Scannell III, Louisiana ’21 
Scannell, Gerard EC Headshot

Platform Statement

When we think of the American Student Dental Association, we have a visceral feeling about it and what it means to us. It has given us opportunities we could not have imagined before dental school. So many leaders before us have laid an incredible foundation to get us to where we are today. All of us continue to bring great integrity to our profession and I will ensure we have the most opportunities to leave ASDA greater than we found it for future leaders like ourselves. The Executive Committee cannot accomplish anything without its members. I will work diligently with other organizations to open the door for more opportunities but everyone must advocate and inform others of the issues we’re facing. We can all think of a few classmates at our chapters that probably have no clue what a midlevel provider is or that there are possibilities of alternative pathways to earn a dental license. Our greatest value is in you all, the active members, to ensure ASDA makes a lasting difference.  The greatest opportunity we have today is changing the current way we are evaluated to become a licensed dentist. The relationships I’ve built with leaders of the ADA, ADEA, SPEA, and AGD gives me the unique ability to bring us closer to lasting change for licensure reform. There are many alternative pathways but my belief in an ideal licensure exam is aligned with ASDA’s and that is what I will continue to advocate for on behalf of us dental students.  I can produce creative and innovative initiatives that ASDA can implement but I don’t believe that’s what we primarily need right now. As president, I will ensure that we grow and improve but will also keep us on track to accomplish the goals our strategic plan. We cannot afford to spend too much time and energy on grand new ideas this coming year when we still have phenomenal objectives to achieve. I will dedicate myself to giving us the best hope for a brighter and prosperous future.

  • Short Answer Questions (Questions posed to the candidate to evaluate leadership, teamwork and experience relevant to the Executive Committee.)
  • CV
Sydney Shapiro, Columbia ’21 
Shapiro, Sydney EC Headshot

Platform Statement

ASDA provides an indispensable platform for dental students to collaborate and advocate for issues they’re passionate about. Whether it be outreach, leadership development or grassroots advocacy, our organization exists to enhance the dental student experience. As the President of ASDA, I will connect with students to better understand their concerns and vocalize these issues in a professional manner. This year represents a crucial time for ASDA as we close out the 2018-2020 Strategic Plan and develop the 2021-2023 Strategic Plan. This endeavor will require a leader who understands what chapters and students prioritize, facilitates a collaborative environment in the Boardroom and turns ideas into tangible objectives with clear tactics for success.    Communication and Chapter Development: Each year, our organization improves communication among chapter, district and national ASDA. However, I believe we can do more to advance the ways we communicate while maintaining many of the efforts already in place. I would like to see online forums within the ASDA website so students on all levels of the tripartite can ask questions, share concerns and receive responses from multiple constituents in real-time. This will facilitate collaboration among students and allow members to share initiatives, goals and strengths with other chapters. Another way I would like to engage students is expanding access to materials presented at national and district meetings. This would allow all students the opportunity to learn more about ASDA and the issues our profession faces, enhance chapter leadership development and increase the membership value of ASDA.   Licensure and Student Debt: Although we have made great strides in licensure reform, it is essential that this year’s Executive Committee stays vigilant in advocating for ethical and acceptable pathways to licensure. Effective reform requires all dental students to be informed and supported in advocating for tangible change. To obtain ideal pathways to licensure, it is also necessary to continue expanding awareness outside of ASDA’s membership base, including the 35+ organizations that have joined the Coalition for Modernizing Dental Licensure. Additionally, student debt remains a paramount issue. It is imperative our legislative efforts focus on expanding opportunities for loan forgiveness and reducing student loan interest rates to better reflect the historically low interest rates of the current market.   My two years of experience on National ASDA’s Council on Professional Issues, as well as my extensive involvement on the district and chapter levels, have equipped me with the knowledge and skills to lead this organization. As a dual degree DDS/Master of Public Health student, I have a deep understanding of the health care system, issues our patients face and our role as oral health practitioners. This unique perspective will help advance ASDA’s advocacy efforts relating to access to care, licensure reform and student loan forgiveness opportunities in the public health realm. I would be humbled to serve as this organization’s President and I am confident my approachability, strong work ethic and desire to see those around me succeed will enable me to lead ASDA during this pivotal time.

  • Short Answer Questions (Questions posed to the candidate to evaluate leadership, teamwork and experience relevant to the Executive Committee.)
  • CV

Applications for the 2020-21 Executive Committee are now closed.

President

Term Length: Annual Session 2020 - Annual Session 2021

Eligibility Requirements
  1. Must be an active predoctoral member at the time of application and throughout the term of office.
  2. Should serve at least one year in a national leadership position.
  3. Must be able to attend all required meetings listed below and conference calls when necessary.
  4. Will complete projects or resolutions assigned by the House of Delegates. 
  5. Must be able to complete assignments and responsibilities by established deadlines.
  6. Assumes the position of immediate past president at the end of term of office.
Required Meetings

Must attend and actively participate in the following meetings (click here for exact dates):

  • ASDA Annual Sessions, 2020 (if elected, must attend 8-10 a.m. board meeting on March 8, 2020) and 2021
  • All Board of Trustees and Executive Committee Meetings
  • ADA Dentist and Student Lobby Day 2020
  • Spring Council Meeting 2020
  • Fall Council Meeting 2020
  • ADA Annual Session 2020
  • National Leadership Conference 2020
  • Outside meetings as determined

Responsibilities

Strategic oversight

  • Monitors strategic plan goals. 
  • Chairs all meetings of the Board of Trustees and Executive Committee.

Financial oversight

  • Approves association budget. 
  • Reviews quarterly financial reports and monitors progress. 

Council and committee oversight

  • Mentors trustees and council chairs as assigned.
  • Serves on councils and committees as assigned.
  • Monitors the work of councils and committees.
  • Approves new council or committee initiatives. 
  • Appoints national leaders and other leadership positions as necessary. 

Strategic relationships oversight

  • Builds relationships with leaders in organized dentistry.
  • Serves as official ASDA spokesperson.
  • Serves as liaison to related allied, governmental and dental organizations and provides testimony on behalf of ASDA when called upon to do so.
  • Communicates ASDA's goals to trustees, chairs, delegates and members.

Executive oversight

  • Conducts, along with the Executive Committee, the executive director's annual performance review.

Vice President

Term Length: Annual Session 2020 - Annual Session 2021

Eligibility Requirements

  1. Must be an active predoctoral member at the time of application and throughout the term of office.
  2. Must be able to attend all required meetings listed below and conference calls when necessary.
  3. Will complete projects or resolutions assigned by the House of Delegates. 
  4. Must be able to complete assignments and responsibilities by established deadlines.
  5. Experience serving in another leadership position is strongly preferred.
Required Meetings

Must attend and actively participate in the following meetings (Click here for exact dates):

  • ASDA Annual Sessions, 2020 (if elected, must attend 8-10 a.m. board meeting on March 8, 2020) and 2021 
  • All Board of Trustees and Executive Committee Meetings
  • ADA Dentist and Student Lobby Day 2020
  • Spring Council and Board of Trustees Meeting 2020
  • Fall Council and Board of Trustees Meeting 2020
  • National Leadership Conference 2020
  • Outside meetings as determined
Responsibilities 

Strategic oversight

  • Monitors strategic plan goals. 
Financial oversight

  • Approves association budget. 
  • Reviews quarterly financial reports and monitors progress. 
Council and committee oversight

  • Mentors trustees and council chairs as assigned.
  • Serves on councils and committees as assigned.
  • Monitors the work of councils and committees. 
  • Approves new council or committee initiatives. 
  • Appoints national leaders and other leadership positions as necessary. 
Strategic relationships oversight

  • Builds relationships with leaders in organized dentistry.
  • Serves as official ASDA spokesperson when requested by the president.
  • Serves as liaison to related allied, governmental and dental organizations and provides testimony on behalf of ASDA when called upon to do so by the president.
  • Communicates ASDA's goals to trustees, chairs, delegates and members.
Executive oversight

  • Conducts, along with the Executive Committee, the executive director's annual performance review.

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