The American Physiological Society (APS) has appointed Erika Shugart, PhD, FAAAS, as its next Chief Executive Officer, effective March 9. Shugart succeeds Scott Steen, who retired earlier this year.
Shugart brings more than 20 years of leadership experience across scientific societies and nonprofit organizations. Prior to joining APS, she served as chief executive officer of the National Science Teaching Association and the American Society for Cell Biology. Her career has also included senior roles at the American Society for Microbiology, the Marian Koshland Science Museum of the National Academies, and the National Academy of Sciences.
Trained as a biologist, Shugart is recognized for her work in science communication and STEM advocacy. She is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and earned her doctoral degree in biology from the University of Virginia.
In her new role, Shugart is expected to build on APS’s existing contributions to physiology and the life sciences, with a focus on advancing research, fostering an inclusive scientific community, and supporting the Society’s mission through collaboration with staff, volunteers, and members.
APS leadership highlighted Shugart’s background in scientific publishing, financial stewardship, and policy and advocacy as key factors in her selection. Her experience leading complex, member-driven organizations was cited as aligning with APS’s strategic needs at a time of continued change in the scientific and research landscape.
APS represents a global community of more than 10,000 biomedical scientists and educators dedicated to advancing physiology, the science that underpins understanding of life and health. The Society supports research and education through programming, collaboration, and the publication of 16 scholarly journals that disseminate physiological research worldwide.
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