NIH Diversity Council Meeting - November 2006National Institutes of Health Dr. Bill Elwood, Chairman Call To Order and Welcome Dr. Bill Elwood (Chair) called the meeting to order and welcomed the members and visitors from the NIH Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity Management (OEODM). Vote on previous minutes Approval of October minutes was postponed due to lack of a quorum. Open Discussion Membership committee met - Molly Vallant, Bill Elwood, Dina Peterson and Sharrell Butler.
Bill discussed the need to identify persons from the security force and patient care staff to participate on the council. He had written to Rich Freed to ask about security being involved. Sharrell explained that because Security guards are contractors they can't participate as members, however meetings are open to everyone. The contracts would have to include a requirement for their participation. Sharrell will provide Bill with a contact with the NIH police to identify a potential representative. It was also recommended that an employee in patient care, the clinical center be sought out to join the council. Bill raised the point that the DC charter allows for 3 ex-officio positions; Dr. Steve Hausman will serve in the capacity of the immediate retiring council member ex-officio. Bill found in review of the Charter; that terms don't expire at the end of fiscal year; terms run to the end of the calendar year. Bill remembered this was also stated in his appointment letter. Terms are for three years. Sharrell brought up the need for the Council to provide input on criteria for selection of new members and then OEODM would prepare appointment letters. OEODM will arrange for a meeting for Bill and Molly with the OEODM Director, Lawrence Self, after Molly returns from traveling. They will take the opportunity to discuss strategies for engaging the NIH leadership to support the upcoming diversity symposium. Linda Huss inquired if any of there would be an inspirational speaker, perhaps a recounting of "best practices" -a successful Diversity program from another agency or the private sector on the program for the Diversity Symposium? Sharrell responded, noting that there will be 2 outside speakers; the plenary speaker will be setting the stage so workgroups have platform to base strategies on and Adele Lynn will bring the motivational lunch address. She also noted that federally, NIH is one of frontrunners for diversity. Dr. Zerhouni had been awarded the CEO Leadership Award. The NIH is the only award recipient representing the Federal government . http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/oct2003/od-15.htm Wilson Hall is available for the award program. The program is scheduled for 3 to 5 p.m. Dr. Zerhouni and Dr. Kington will be invited. There will be light refreshments. Communication committee - Diversity Symposium Matthew Murguia wants to identify key points on diversity that the NIH has bought into. Dina will meet with the sub-committee to develop a key message as contribution for diversity symposium in March. It can be presented before symposium as reflection of contributions or input from IC's. Representatives from the IC's to symposium will be able to contribute input. Bill commented on recruitment and retention being at such a low point. NIH Record article reported on the Hispanic forum on retention assessed poor results. Bill invited everyone to his holiday gathering 12/1/06. Website Subcommittee
Meeting concluded at 3:58 PM. ATTENDANCE Members Present: Bill Elwood, Michelle France, Linda Huss, Marisela Morales, Matthew Murguia, Andrea Wongsam, and Shen Yang. Members Absent: Caroline Leake, Bryan Maynard, Marisela Morales, Mahudev Murthy, Chuke Nwachuki, Molly Vallant and Jenea White. OEODM Staff Present: Sharrell Butler, ICSD Director |
Office of Equal Opportunity
& Diversity Management
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
National Institutes of Health
