Key Takeaways:
- Wendy Vlieks, former VP of Communications for the United Soybean Board, has been appointed as the new President of The Genome Partnership.
- Vlieks succeeds Leisa Zigman, who is retiring after a decade of service.
- Vlieks brings over 20 years of experience in integrated marketing, communications, and leadership across various industries.
- Under Vlieks’ leadership, the organization will focus on growth strategy, mission fulfillment, and expanding educational initiatives, including fellowships and scholarships for underserved communities.
- Zigman will assist with the transition until the AGBT 25th Annual General Meeting in February 2025.
The Genome Partnership has appointed Wendy Vlieks as its new President. Vlieks, formerly Vice President of Communications for the United Soybean Board, will succeed Leisa Zigman. Vlieks brings over two decades of experience in integrated marketing, communications, and leadership and is expected to advance The Genome Partnership’s mission in genome science, technology, and health.
Leadership Transition
Richard K. Wilson, PhD, a founding Board Member of The Genome Partnership and executive director of the Institute for Genomic Medicine at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, expressed confidence in Vlieks’ ability to lead the organization. “We are thrilled to welcome Wendy as the new President of The Genome Partnership,” said Wilson. “Her extensive experience and visionary leadership make her the perfect successor to Leisa. We are confident that Wendy will continue to drive our organization’s growth and uphold the high standards of excellence that Leisa has established.”
Vlieks will be responsible for overseeing the organization’s growth strategy and ensuring the continued success of its mission. She will also manage the production of AGBT events and expand educational initiatives, such as fellowships and scholarships aimed at underserved communities. Additionally, Vlieks plans to develop innovative marketing strategies to enhance the organization’s brand recognition.
Tribute to Leisa Zigman
Leisa Zigman, who has served as President of The Genome Partnership since December 2014, has been pivotal in shaping the success and global reputation of the organization. During her tenure, the AGBT meetings have become leading conferences in the field of genome science and technology, attracting top researchers, leaders, and innovators from around the world.
Reflecting on her time with The Genome Partnership, Zigman stated, “It has been an honor to lead The Genome Partnership, elevate the community’s transformative work, and contribute to strengthening relationships across genome science and technology over the past decade. I am confident that Wendy is the ideal person to lead this mission, and I look forward to supporting her during the transition.”
Zigman will continue to assist with the transition process until the AGBT 25th Annual General Meeting in February 2025, after which she will officially retire.
Vlieks’ Vision for the Future
Expressing her enthusiasm for the new role, Wendy Vlieks shared, “I am excited to join The Genome Partnership and build on the strong foundation that Leisa has laid. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the devastating effects that health disorders can have on a family. These experiences fuel my passion for advancing genomic research and therapies, particularly in addressing multifactorial conditions. I will expand collaboration, educate, and advocate for the importance of genomic research and its potential to transform lives, from bench to bedside and greenhouse to grain bin.”
