The President’s Corner column appears in the bimonthly AOAC INTERNATIONAL Inside Laboratory Management (ILM). This is an opportunity for the Association’s President to share updates and reflect on achievements.
Danièle Sohier is the AOAC President for 2024 – 2025 and joined Hygiena in 2024 to coordinate global scientific affairs and market development.
Inside Laboratory Management (ILM) Issues
March/April 2025
January/February 2025
November/December 2024
A Progress in Motion: AOAC’s Path to 2025 and Beyond
As AOAC continues its work in 2025, the Association is making good progress on important projects started last year, and I am excited to tell you about the steps AOAC is taking to achieve its goals. Together, we are strengthening the Association and moving forward with great enthusiasm.
139th AOAC Annual Meeting and Exposition
The 2025 AOAC Annual Meeting and Exposition will be here before we know it. This year’s meeting will be held on August 23-28, 2025, at the Town and Country Resort in San Diego, California, USA. Dawn Frazier, deputy executive director of engagement at AOAC, and her dedicated team have a great program planned, and I encourage you to be part of it. Registration will open on April 24, 2025, and AOAC is offering a special government rate.
The AOAC Technical Program Committee (TPC) worked diligently to review session proposals. AOAC is happy to report a 28% increase in submissions compared to last year, which is a good sign of the growing interest in the AOAC Annual Meeting. A call for speakers was issued in March 2025.
Poster submissions will also open on April 24, 2025, the same day as registration. Opportunities are still available for exhibitors and sponsors. Contact AOAC if your organization is interested in getting involved.
Microbiological Methods Validation Guidance (OMA Appendix J) Revision
Revision and expansion of the Official Methods of Analysis SM (OMA) Appendix J for the validation of food microbiology methods is an important initiative currently underway, led by Kate Mastovska, deputy executive director and chief science officer at AOAC, and her team. Supported by an advisory panel fully dedicated to this critical work, the revision will ensure that AOAC’s validated methods reflect the latest scientific advancements and best practices in food microbiology. AOAC understands how essential these validated methods are for food safety and public health and is committed to ensuring AOAC guidelines are as robust as possible.
As part of AOAC’s ongoing commitment to scientific excellence, I would like to acknowledge the members of the Scientific Council, which continues to guide this initiative and help AOAC stay focused on priorities:
Additionally, AOAC liaisons working with the Scientific Council to strengthen the initiative are as follows:
Together, these volunteer experts ensure that AOAC’s work remains of the highest scientific quality.
Codex Participation and Focus Areas
AOAC participation in Codex Alimentarius helps strengthen the Association’s global footprint. In May 2025, AOAC representatives will participate in the Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling (CCMAS) meeting, which will focus on important issues, including methods for nutrients in follow-up formula (AOAC Stakeholder Program on Infant Formula and Adult Nutritionals; SPIFAN), fiber, and food allergens. AOAC is closely watching Codex activities that relate to the important work of the Association.
Progress on Key Initiatives
AOAC has made significant progress in several key areas:
Finally, thank you to the AOAC staff for their amazing work and dedication. Their commitment is the backbone of all the progress AOAC is making, and I truly appreciate their tireless efforts in supporting AOAC’s initiatives.
As we move forward, I am confident that 2025 will be a year of successes. Your participation and commitment are key to these achievements, and I look forward to seeing all of you at the AOAC Annual Meeting in San Diego this fall.
Thank you again for your dedication to AOAC. Together, we are making a real impact, and I’m excited to see what we can achieve in the coming year.
Celebrating Progress and Charting an Exciting Future
It has been a few months since I stepped into the role of AOAC president, and I am excited to share updates on the progress AOAC is making together. With a combination of innovative strategies, collaborative spirit, and unwavering dedication of AOAC members and teams, the Association is laying the groundwork for some truly transformational initiatives.
BOD Approves 2025 Budget
The budget for fiscal year 2025 was approved by the AOAC board of directors during its meeting in December 2024. The approved budget aims to align resources effectively to achieve organizational goals for the year.
The executive board is conducting regular meetings to ensure progress stays on track. These meetings focus on identifying areas for enhancement and implementing necessary plans as needed.
Revenue Granularity and Roadmap: Building a Strong Foundation
After months of careful planning and preparation, the revenue granularity and roadmap initiative is now underway. The project, led by AOAC treasurer Michael Clark, Bio-Rad Laboratories, and the financial team, will provide initial insights into AOAC’s financial structure.
These early steps are critical in developing a clearer understanding of AOAC’s diverse revenue streams. The outcomes will guide the Association in identifying new growth opportunities and ensuring that resources are strategically aligned with AOAC’s mission and long-term objectives. The initiative also sets the stage for creation of a comprehensive three-year strategic roadmap, which will serve as a guiding framework for sustainable growth and financial resilience.
OMA Task Force: Progress Toward Modernization
The Official Methods of AnalysisSM (OMA) Task Force, established to enhance and modernize AOAC’s OMA Program, has made substantial progress over the past few months. Under the capable leadership of co-chairs Brendon Gill, Fonterra, and John Szpylka, retired, and supported by working group leaders Pat Bird, bioMérieux; George Joseph, AsureQuality; Erin Crowley, Q Laboratories; Erik Konings, retired; Wendy McMahon, Mérieux NutriSciences; and Xu-Liang Cao, Health Canada, the team is steadily advancing its ambitious goals.
The task force is focusing on streamlining method designs, standardizing procedures, and improving supporting documentation to create a more user-friendly and consistent framework for AOAC methods. While still in its early stages, the team has already laid out clear objectives and begun drafting the initial procedural standards.
This foundational work will not only benefit current users but also position AOAC to support the next generation of scientific advancements. The task force’s determination and collaborative efforts are paving the way for meaningful, lasting improvements.
University Relations Task Force: A New Beginning
AOAC is kicking off the University Relations Task Force under the leadership of Xiangyu Deng, University of Georgia, and Paula Brown, British Columbia Institute of Technology. The task force aims to strengthen connections between AOAC and academic institutions to foster collaboration in advancing the Association’s mission, with a particular emphasis on students, education, and awareness.
Digital Transformation: Laying the Groundwork
AOAC’s journey toward digital transformation has also begun, with initial efforts focused on setting up foundational plans and systems. The initiative aims to modernize AOAC’s operational processes, from document control to administrative management, through the implementation of advanced digital platforms.
Although the initiative is still in its early stages and is not included in the 2025 budget, the groundwork being laid will eventually increase efficiency, reduce operational overhead, and foster greater collaboration across teams and members. The IT and project management teams deserve special recognition for their dedication to navigating these complex preparations.
Thank You
None of this progress would be possible without the extraordinary commitment of AOAC staff, board members, and volunteers, whose hard work, vision, and dedication are the driving forces behind AOAC’s continued success.
In just a few months, AOAC has laid the foundation for several transformative initiatives. I am confident that as the Association continues to build on this momentum, the best is yet to come. Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication to AOAC’s mission. Together, we are shaping a future that benefits the entire AOAC community and ensures the Association’s continued leadership in the field.
Best Wishes for a Successful 2025
I would like to extend heartfelt wishes to all AOAC members, staff, and stakeholders for a prosperous and fulfilling 2025. May this year bring continued growth, success, and innovation to the organization and to each of you personally. AOAC deeply appreciates your dedication, collaboration, and commitment, which remain the driving force behind our shared achievements.
Together, let us embrace the opportunities and challenges of 2025 with determination, optimism, and a shared vision for excellence. Here’s to a remarkable year ahead!
Danièle Sohier
President
Looking Ahead to a Year Focused on Growth, Progress, Collaboration, and Innovation
It is an honor and a privilege to step into the role of AOAC president for the upcoming year. I am particularly proud to be the fourth European to serve as president of this international organization. I embrace this position with a deep sense of responsibility and enthusiasm, and I extend my gratitude to all members, the AOAC Board of Directors, and our organizational members for their continuous support. I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to my company, Hygiena, for its unwavering support during my presidency.
To start, let’s give a warm welcome to AOAC’s two new directors-at-large, Pam Wilger (Post Consumer Brands) and Michael Loewenstein (Q Laboratories). I’m eager to see the fresh perspectives they’ll bring to our community, and yes, the observation is accurate: if your first name is Michael, your chances of joining the board are pretty high—just look at our current lineup!
I would also like to express my sincere thanks to the entire AOAC staff for their outstanding dedication and hard work, particularly in delivering a highly successful Annual Meeting and Exposition in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Attendees acknowledged the event for its perfect balance of in-depth scientific discussions, innovative ideas, collaborative networking, and cross-disciplinary insights. AOAC staff support has been invaluable, and I’m excited about what we’ll achieve together this year.
Reflecting on my 16 years of experience in nonprofit organizations, I understand the delicate balance between preserving an organization’s reputation and ensuring financial sustainability. This balance can be fragile, and it’s crucial that we focus on developing sustainable plans that safeguard both our long-term financial health and our core values. Furthermore, I believe in the importance of data-driven decision-making. I intend to prioritize this approach, helping AOAC develop an even more focused and sustainable roadmap for its future.
One of my key goals this year is to develop a strategic three-year roadmap that focuses on growth opportunities. AOAC’s upcoming analysis will provide a clearer understanding of revenue streams and help align investments with strategic objectives. Once finalized with the AOAC Board of Directors, the roadmap will ensure that AOAC targets new opportunities, optimizes resources, and monitors performance metrics to sustain success. Special appreciation goes to the board’s current treasurer, Michael Clark (Bio-Rad Laboratories), for dedicating countless hours to refining the revenue granularity—a critical component in AOAC’s development plan.
In parallel, AOAC will continue working on the Official Methods of AnalysisSM (OMA) Task Force, which was initiated after a comprehensive SWOT analysis by the AOAC Official Methods Board (OMB). The task force will focus on three main objectives:
(1) Restructuring the design of AOAC Official MethodsSM to improve clarity and streamline delivery to users
(2) Standardizing method procedures by drawing on valuable learnings from past and present processes
(3) Standardizing supporting documentation to ensure consistency across all platforms
A heartfelt thank you to the co-chairs of the task force, Brendon Gill (Fonterra) and John Szpylka (retired), as well as the co-leaders for each subgroup: Pat Bird (bioMérieux), George Joseph (AsureQuality), Erin Crowley (Q Laboratories), Erik Konings (retired), Wendy McMahon (U.S. Food and Drug Administration), and Xu-Liang Cao (Health Canada). This powerhouse team aims to deliver tangible results by December 2025.
Lastly, one priority highlighted in the OMB’s SWOT analysis is the need for digital transformation. Optimizing digital platforms will help streamline processes—from document control to financial and administrative tasks. This transformation will allow the team to focus on more strategic activities, enhance communication, and boost the AOAC brand. Over the coming years, AOAC will balance digital investments with long-term savings to ensure alignment with the Association’s strategic roadmap.
I look forward to a year filled with progress, collaboration, and innovation. Together, we’ll ensure AOAC continues to thrive and evolve—and who knows, we may even recruit a few more Michaels along the way!
Thank you for your continued trust and support. Here’s to an exciting year ahead!
Danièle Sohier
President
