A New Year, a New Governance Model: Positioning SETAC for the Future
Bart Bosveld, SETAC Executive Director
As SETAC enters 2026, the Society begins the year with an important milestone: the implementation of a new governance framework designed to strengthen decision-making, enhance transparency, and support SETAC’s growing global mission.
As we begin 2026, SETAC marks an important moment with the implementation of a new set of bylaws that strengthen how our society is governed. Approved by the SETAC World Council in December following extensive consultation with Geographic Unit (GU) boards and councils, the new bylaws came into effect on 1 January. They represent a key step toward sustaining SETAC’s organizational health and ensuring we are well positioned to deliver our mission – advancing Environmental Quality Through Science® – in a rapidly changing world.
SETAC’s governance renewal builds on a process that began in late 2023, when members approved the restated Articles of Incorporation. Together, these changes reflect the evolution of SETAC from a society founded in North America in 1979 into a truly global organization. Today, SETAC includes five Geographic Units (GUs)—Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America and North America—supported by dozens of regional chapters and nearly 9,000 members worldwide, all united under SETAC, the global society.
As a global scientific society, SETAC plays a critical role in advancing environmental science and management to address pressing challenges, including those associated with rapid development in the Global South. SETAC’s strength lies in its ability to connect experts to generate knowledge and develop sound scientific approaches that inform environmental decision-making at local, regional and global scales. In this context, SETAC World is more than the sum of its parts – it is a global network that enables collaboration, shared learning and sustainable impact, and develops activities where it’s most urgently needed.
To ensure SETAC remains effective and agile as it continues to grow, a task force was established to review the society’s organically developed governance structures. The goal was clear, to recommend changes that would strengthen operational effectiveness while preserving strong connections across SETAC’s global community.
What Has Changed?
The new bylaws introduce significant changes to SETAC governance. First, the composition of the SETAC Board of Directors (SETAC Board; formerly the SETAC World Council) has shifted to a competency-based model. Under the previous structure, GU presidents and other GU leaders served simultaneously on the World Council. While this model ensured geographic representation, the dual responsibility could create conflicts of interest—particularly when decisions benefiting SETAC as a whole might not fully align with the interests of individual GUs.
The new structure addresses this challenge where Board nominees are identified based on competencies, skills, experience and personal attributes. Members are no longer appointed based on their position within a GU but, rather, are nominated based on qualities to ensure the full set of required governance competencies and skillset is present in the Board as a whole to support SETAC’s global mission. This change strengthens independent decision-making and enhances transparency and effectiveness at the global level.
Candidates for the Board are sourced from the general SETAC membership and nominated by a Governance Committee. The committee is composed of three members of the Board officers and five past SETAC GU board ot council members nominated by the respective GU board or council. Annually, the nominated candidates will be presented to the SETAC membership for an electronic vote prior to the Annual General Meeting of the membership, and the elected members will be introduced at the General Meeting. The election may be a contested election where multiple candidates are running for the same position or an uncontested election, depending on the recommendations of the Governance Committee.
The term of the Board, and SETAC’s financial year, will be based on the calendar year.
The Annual General Meeting of the Members is another important element specified in the new bylaws. Each year, members will be invited to an online global Annual General Meeting where they will receive updates on SETAC’s activities, install new directors when applicable, and address other matters requiring member action to reinforce transparency, accessibility and inclusive participation for SETAC’s worldwide membership.
Third, the size of the Board has been reduced to support more focused discussion and efficient governance. Previously, SETAC World Council meetings included up to 27 participants, including voting and non-voting members. Under the new bylaws, the Board now consists of 12 voting members, with additional guests invited when needed for specific agenda items.
At the same time, strong links with the GUs remain a priority. From within its ranks, the Board appoints designated liaisons for each GU. The liaison participates as a non-voting member in the relevant GU board or council—ensuring continued communication and alignment between the SETAC Board and the GU boards and councils.
To allow for continuity, current Board members will complete their existing three-year terms. The transition to the new model will therefore take place gradually over the coming years.
Board Transitions
In December, four voting members—Sabine Apitz, Julie Brodeur, Teresa Norberg-King and Beatrice Opeolu—completed their terms. On behalf of all SETAC members and staff, I would like to sincerely thank them for their dedication and leadership during a period of significant change for SETAC, particularly Beatrice Opeolu who served in the executive committee in 2023–2025 and as president in 2024.
Following these rotations and the anticipated reduction in Board size, one vacancy became available. In line with the new bylaws, nominations were solicited from former GU board and council officers, and what was then the SETAC World Council elected Lorraine Maltby as the twelfth voting member and incoming Vice President. Maltby brings extensive leadership experience within SETAC and beyond, and we are delighted to welcome her as we implement the new governance model. The 2026 SETAC Board operates under the leadership of Nile Kemble, who took over the presidency from Amanda Reichelt-Brushett, who rotated into the role of Immediate-Past President on 1 January.
Looking Ahead
These governance changes come at a time when SETAC’s mission is more important than ever. In an increasingly complex global landscape – where environmental protection and the role of science in decision-making can be challenged – SETAC remains firmly committed to credible, independent and objective science.
Guided by our core values of transparency, integrity, diversity and inclusion, equity, sustainability, and civil dialogue, SETAC continues to serve as a trusted global platform where science informs environmental policy and practice.
As we move forward into 2026, I am confident in the strength of our global community and in SETAC’s ability to make a meaningful contribution to environmental quality worldwide.
Happy New Year!
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