Call for CERF 2027 Conference Co-Chair Nominees

CERF is seeking volunteers to co-chair the 29^th Biennial CERF Conference to be held 7-11 November 2027 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, USA. This is a creative opportunity to put your stamp on the premier international estuarine science and management conference and develop relationships and have fun with a great group of dedicated professionals.

Each conference has two to three volunteer co-chairs who work as a team to provide overall oversight of conference planning with support from CERF staff. Specific roles and responsibilities of the co-chairs include:

• Setting the vision for the conference by developing the theme and providing input on artwork and branding
• Defining and providing oversight of the main conference committees, currently the Scientific Program Committee (SPC), Attendee Experience Committee (AEC), and Inclusive Culture Committee (ICC)
• Identifying volunteers to chair the main conference committees (from an open call for volunteers)
• Assisting the main committee chairs with identification of subcommittees to fall under each committee (e.g., the SPC has the plenary and keynote committee, the AEC has the social event committee, the ICC has the affinity group committee), facilitating cross-committee coordination, assisting with identifying and managing volunteers for the subcommittees, ensuring subcommittees and volunteers are working effectively and efficiently, and making important decisions when needed.
• Providing visible leadership in front of CERF members and attendees
• Regularly reporting to the Governing Board on progress and challenges.

We seek the following qualifications in a conference co-chair:

• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Wide coastal and estuarine science and management network
• Ability to manage a large team of volunteers
• Commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive conference experience
• Agree to comply with the CERF Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct, and attest they have not violated either Code

CERF 2027 planning will kick off in late summer of 2025. The time commitment varies depending on the activities being planned, but include organizing monthly meetings of the core team (conference co-chairs and co-chairs of the main conference committees), attending monthly meetings of the conference committees, reporting to the Governing Board on a quarterly basis, and some organization, problem-solving, and decision-making between meetings. Serving on the conference committee is a volunteer position; co-chairs are expected to attend the conference but no financial support is available from CERF for their participation. Reaching out to co-chairs of past CERF conferences is a great way to learn more about this rewarding experience.

The federation is committed to fostering greater diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and accessibility (DEIJA) in all the work we do and throughout all levels of the organization, including CERF leadership. We particularly encourage nominations that reflect individual differences in social identity such as race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity and expression, religion, sexual orientation, physical ability, and socioeconomic background, as well as differences in discipline, career path, and life experience. We best serve our mission when our conference committee is representative of the diversity of our membership and the coastal communities we serve.

If you wish to be considered, please submit your interest by completing this form by 16 April 2025. In addition to basic information about yourself, the form asks for brief answers to the following questions:

1. Why do you want to be co-chair of the CERF 2027 conference?
2. What strengths do you bring to a co-chair position?

Apply Today

If you have any questions, please contact CERF Executive Director Susan Park at [email protected].