Ex officio (Brazosport Section). The Dow Chemical Company, Terneuzen, Netherlands.
Academic record: University of Buffalo, BS, 1983, PhD, 1989.
Professional positions: The Dow Chemical Company, Business Analytical Leader, 2009-present.
ACS local section and division offices: Brazosport Section: Councilor, 2006-2020; Alternate Councilor, 2000-05. Analytical Division: Treasurer, 1999-2004; Editor, 1994. Baton Rouge Section: Alternate Councilor, 1997; Chair, 1992-93; Chair-Elect, 1992.
ACS national service: Director-at-Large and Ex Officio Councilor, 2021-present; Committee on Public Affairs and Public Relations, Chair, 2024-present, Member, 2022-present; Executive Committee, Member, 2023-present; Advisory Board for the Green Chemistry Institute, Member, 2022-present; Committee on Professional and Member Relations, Member, 2021; Committee on Committees, Chair, 2018-2020; Member, 2016-2020, Council Policy Committee, Member (Nonvoting), 2018-2020, Member, 2010-15, Vice-Chair, 2011-13; Committee on Science, Chair, 2007-09, Member, 2006-09; Committee on Women Chemists, Chair, 2003-05, Member, 2000-05, Committee Associate, 1999; Committee on Younger Chemists, Chair, 1997-98, Member, 1995-98, Committee Associate, 1994; Committee on Strategic Alignment, Consultant, 2016-17, Member, 2015, 2011-13.
Member: Member of ACS since 1983. IUPAC Committee on Chemistry and Industry, Member, 2009-2018, Chair, 2018-19; IUPAC, Chair of US National Committee, 2011-12. Iota Sigma Pi. ACS Divisions: Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Health and Safety, Professional Relations.
Related activities and honors: Society of Women Engineers PRISM Award, 2021; Award for Volunteer Service to the ACS, 2018; ACS Fellow, 2014; IUPAC Distinguished Women in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering, 2011.
Ribes’s statement
I am honored to be a candidate for director-at-large. It has been a privilege to serve in this role for the past six years. Along with experience, I bring a strategic mindset, a results oriented approach, and a global perspective. My service in local sections, divisions, and multiple committees has given me a deep understanding of American Chemical Society operations and member needs.
Over my 37year career in the chemical industry, I have developed expertise in financial performance, balance sheets, longterm planning, and navigating complexity and risk. I have experience with the global chemistry enterprise after living in Argentina and the Netherlands leading global teams, and a decade of experience with the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry. During my time on the ACS Board, I have worked collaboratively with fellow directors, volunteer leaders, and staff to define and execute our strategic plan and strengthen our governance structure. These efforts support our members, the society, the chemistry enterprise, and ACS’s role in the global chemistry ecosystem. More information about my background and experience as a change-maker is available online at CarolynRibes.com.
I joined ACS in 1982 as a student affiliate seeking career guidance. Four decades later, I continue to learn about the breadth of programs and services ACS provides to strengthen members’ technical expertise, professional networks, and skills. I am proud that the size, strength, and credibility of ACS enable us to advance scientific knowledge, empower a global community, and champion scientific integrity.
As we celebrate 150 years of ACS, it is worth reflecting on the profound impact the society has had on science, society, and generations of chemists. That impact has been driven by passionate members and dedicated ACS staff who advance our shared commitment to improving people’s lives through the transforming power of chemistry.
Our semiquincentennial also invites us to look ahead. What does a world built on science look like? How do we position ACS to shape that future? How do we build on our strengths and develop new capabilities to meet emerging needs? As stewards of the ACS, the ACS Board plays a critical role in defining our longterm vision and guiding ACS toward its objectives. I’d like to highlight three areas that are important to me.
Member engagement
Member engagement will always remain a core pillar of ACS. After several years of declining membership, the tiered membership model has demonstrated clear benefits, and I believe continued focus in this area can support sustainable growth. As the board considers decisions affecting members, I believe four principles should guide our thinking: accessibility, inclusivity, value across career stages, and responsiveness to member needs.
These principles include lowering structural barriers to participation; ensuring conferences, publications, and governance processes are accessible across geographies, abilities, and resource levels; promoting clear and accessible communication; and supporting career and professional development by ensuring ACS remains relevant from undergraduate years through retirement. They also include recognizing the diverse professional pathways chemists pursue across industry, academia, government, and nontraditional careers.
Financial strength
Delivering highquality programs, products, and services for our members and the broader scientific community requires a strong financial foundation. ACS is fortunate to have annual revenues of nearly $800 million, net from operations of approximately $50 million, and unrestricted net assets exceeding $1 billion. Board members serve as the financial stewards of the society, and I take this fiduciary responsibility seriously. The ACS Board must continue to manage risks thoughtfully and ensure that ACS maintains the structures, regulations, and oversight needed to safeguard our longterm stability.
Advocacy and trust in science
The ACS Board also plays a critical role in safeguarding ACS’s credibility by supporting evidencebased policy positions and ensuring a principled, consistent advocacy framework. Now more than ever, it is essential that legislators and decisionmakers have access to unbiased scientific information. Policies that support research, education, and scientific investment are vital to our community and to society. ACS position statements provide the foundation for our advocacy efforts, and I have used them during visits to Capitol Hill to share my experiences and support key legislative priorities, including science, technology, engineering, and math education, research funding, and infrastructure. I will continue to support ACS’s advocacy work with a focus on collaboration, impact, and outcomes.
As you cast your ballot this year, I ask you to consider who will continue to make a meaningful difference for ACS. I would be honored to earn your vote so that I may continue contributing to the society and driving positive changes through my commitment to ACS’s mission and members, my collaborative leadership style, and my longterm vision for the future of ACS.
