Region VIII Election is open for voting!
Candidates for the Region VIII 2026 Executive Committee and Advisory Committee
On this page you will find the candidates for the 2026 Region VIII positions of Chair-Elect, Secretary, Treasurer-Elect, and Region VIII Board Member. We encourage you to read below each candidate’s personal statement and resume. The candidates are listed in alphabetical order by the last name per each open role.
How can you vote? A unique voting link will be sent by NCURA to all Region VIII members on September 16th, 2025. You may cast one vote for each position. Votes are anonymous to eliminate bias.
When can you vote? The electronic election polls will close on September 26th, 2025.
Executive Committee
Chair-Elect/Chair/Immediate Past Chair
The Chair-Elect/Chair/Immediate Past Chair provides guidance and leadership to Region VIII members. During the second year, the Chair is responsible for chairing the Region VIII Executive Committee and takes a lead role in the development and implementation of programs and policies that support the development of Region VIII. During the three-year term, the Chair-Elect/ Chair/Immediate Past Chair serves as a member of the Region VIII Advisory Board. The term is for three years, beginning January 1.
Candidate Chair-Elect: Connie Killey, University of Melbourne, Australia
Treasurer-Elect/Treasurer
The Treasurer-Elect/Treasurer serves as a voting member of the Region VIII Executive Committee and the Advisory Board and represents the region by conducting the financial operations of the region. The role of the Treasurer-elect is to assist the Treasurer and provide financial continuity for the region. The term is for three years beginning on 1 January.
Candidates Treasurer-Elect:
Declan McGrath, University of Galway, Ireland
Rasangika Pelpola-Aladekomo, King’s College London, UK
Secretary
The Secretary serves as a voting member of the Region VIII Executive Committee and the Advisory Board to represent all region members by conducting the region’s administrative operations. The role of the Secretary is to support the Chair and the wider Executive Committee. The term is for two years beginning on 1 January.
Candidates Secretary:
Alpana Dave, BRIC-National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, India
Patricia Gigliuto, University of Melbourne, Australia
Advisory Committee
Region VIII Board Member
The Region VIII Board Member serves as a member of the Board of Directors, the primary governing body of NCURA, which actively supports the mission and goals of the entire organization. He/she represents Region VIII on the Board and liaises with Region VIII Regional Executive Committee and as such is responsible for reporting on activities or other issues that impact the Region. The term is for two years, starting on 1 January.
Candidate Region VIII Board Member: Elly Pineda, University of New South Wales Sydney, Australia
