ACS Spring Council Meeting Report
The 263rd National Meeting of the ACS was a hybrid meeting held in San Diego, March 20 - 24, 2022. The theme of this meeting was “Bonding Through Chemistry.” Dr. Angela K. Wilson, ACS President, presided over the virtual Council Meeting on March 23, 2022. The Chicago Section was represented at Council by the following nine councilors:* Paul Brandt (Public Relations and Communications), Mark Cesa (International Activities), David Crumrine (Constitution and Bylaws), Ken Fivizzani (Economic and Professional Affairs), Russell Johnson (International Activities), Fran Kravitz (Ethics), Josh Kurutz, Margy Levenberg (Meetings and Expositions), Tim Marin (Nomenclature, Terminology, and Symbols).
Finances: In 2021, ACS generated a net from operations of nearly $79 million, which was almost $48 million higher than budgeted. Total revenues were $660 million, which was 5.2% or $32.6 million over budget. Expenses for the year were $581 million, 2.5% below budget. This overall result was attributed to strong revenue performance from the Society’s Information Services units (CAS and ACS Publications), reduced spending due to COVID-19 related impacts, and careful management of expenses across the ACS. The Society’s overall financial position strengthened considerably in 2021 as Unrestricted Net Assets, or reserves, increased by $123 million to $676 million on December 31. The increase was primarily the result of $79 million net from operations and $71 million due to growth of the Society’s investments.
Governance: The Council approved a petition to amend the use of dues in support of Local Sections and Divisions. The previously designated pool of allotments, 20% of dues revenue, was not sufficient to cover the desired level of support. This support will now be funded by a quasi-endowment from the Society’s unrestricted investment balances. The Council approved the 2023 Schedule of Membership. The 2022 Schedule went live a few months ago, and the 2023 Schedule was designed to add more value and increased choice for members by adding clarity and a more intuitive explanation of how our membership works. The 2023 Schedule did not change any dues, benefits, eligibility or privileges from the 2022 Schedule.
Meetings and Expositions: As of Sunday, March 20, 2022, in-person registration for the San Diego Meeting stood at 9,452 registrants, representing about 74% of the total registration.
Fall Elections: By electronic ballot, the Council selected Mary Carroll and Rigoberto Hernandez as candidates for 2023 President-Elect. All ACS Members vote for the President-Elect.
Fall 2022 National Meeting: Please note that the Fall National Meeting will be held in Chicago, August 21–25 (first time in Chicago since 2007). Please consider volunteering to help the host Chicago Section serve the attendees in several ways.
If you have any questions or comments about the above information, please contact me or one of your other councilors. You may contact me at [email protected].
- KEN FIVIZZANI
*Councilors’ committee assignments are shown in parentheses.
