21. Dave Jackson, Executive Officer at ASPET, on Open Access for Journals and a New Advocacy Function

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Dave Jackson, Executive Officer of the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET). Dave introduces ASPET, talks about his journey to becoming Executive Officer at ASPET, and how ASPET is seeing an increase in membership after five years of membership decline. Dave discusses:

• How he became interested in the work of associations when he was an accountant, then moved into associations operations; and finally became a first time chief exec last year.
• What it was like to step into the role as the new Executive Officer at a time when ASPET staff were fully remote, and how ASPET has successfully transitioned to a hybrid work schedule.
• How ASPET is holding its first standalone annual conference this May, after co-hosting a conference with other scientific organizations for many years.
• ASPET’s new advocacy efforts and the intent to become the voice of the profession.
• How Dave is leading an effort to develop a new strategic plan for the organization.
• How the White House directive re: open access for government-funded research is causing ASPET to rethink and reformulate its journal strategy, especially since the organization relies so heavily on revenue from journal subscription sales and licensing.

References:

• ASPET Website
• ASPET Journals
• ASPET Annual Conference