The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) has announced a significant leadership change effective November 21, 2025, as Melanie Wells, MPH, CAE, steps down from her role as Chief Executive Officer. Wells’ tenure at ACMG and its affiliated Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine (ACMGF) has spanned nearly a decade, during which she facilitated pivotal operational transformations and laid foundations for sustained organizational growth. As she transitions out of her leadership role, she will continue to support the institutions through their upcoming period of change, underscoring her dedication to the mission of advancing genetics and genomics in medicine.
Since assuming the CEO position, Wells has spearheaded the development and implementation of the 2025–2029 Strategic Plans for both ACMG and ACMGF. These comprehensive blueprints articulate aligned missions supported by measurable goals and defined outcomes, crafted to address the rapid evolution within genetics and genomics and the expanding scope of clinical practice. By proactively establishing long-term strategic frameworks, Wells has positioned both organizations to adapt dynamically to emerging scientific innovations and the growing integration of genomic medicine in healthcare systems.
Wells’ leadership has also been marked by an expansion in governance structures and fundraising capacity, notably filling critical vacancies on the Foundation Board and engaging a broader spectrum of philanthropic directors. Under her guidance, ACMGF secured its largest individual philanthropic gift in history, bolstering the financial underpinnings necessary for pioneering educational programs and research initiatives. This notable fundraising success underscores a growing recognition of the value of genomics in both clinical and public health contexts.
A defining characteristic of Wells’ tenure has been her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the genetics workforce. Through interventions such as the E3 Genomics Pathways Program, the organizations have nurtured a pipeline of emerging talent in medical genetics, fostering the next generation of leaders equipped to navigate the increasingly complex genomics landscape. These efforts are critical for ensuring that the innovations of genomic medicine are accessible and relevant to diverse populations, addressing longstanding disparities in healthcare outcomes.
The operational transformations under Wells’ guidance have stabilized the financial health of ACMG and ACMGF. These efforts include streamlining organizational processes, enhancing administrative efficiency, and strengthening external collaborations within the genetics community and allied health sectors. This organizational resilience is particularly significant given the fluctuating funding environments and the rapid technological advances characteristic of the genomics field.
Wells reflects on her tenure with a focus on collective achievement and forward momentum. She emphasizes the robust foundations laid through teamwork and visionary leadership, ensuring that both ACMG and ACMGF are well-equipped to continue their missions without disruption. Her confidence in the organizations’ leadership and memberships speaks to a collaborative culture fostered during her years of service, one that values purposeful innovation and a commitment to advancing genomic knowledge and application.
The impact of Wells’ leadership extends to elevating the national and international reputation of ACMG. By consistently aligning the organizations’ missions with scientific advances and healthcare needs, she has reinforced ACMG’s role as a leading voice in medical genetics advocacy, education, and research. This stature is vital for influencing policy, shaping regulations, and guiding the ethical incorporation of genomics into clinical practice.
Expressions of gratitude from key stakeholders affirm Wells’ significant contributions. ACMG President Mira Irons, MD, FACMG, acknowledges her strategic vision and steady stewardship during a transformative period, highlighting the legacy of stability and readiness for future growth she leaves behind. Similarly, ACMGF President Nancy Mendelson, MD, FACMG, praises Wells’ ability to deepen the synergy between the College and the Foundation, fostering an environment conducive to philanthropic investment and educational innovation.
Founded in 1991, ACMG remains the sole US medical specialty organization representing the full spectrum of medical genetics disciplines. It champions education, research, advocacy, and clinical care integration for genetics and genomics. Through its official journals, Genetics in Medicine and Genetics in Medicine Open, the College disseminates cutting-edge research and clinical guidelines that shape the practice of genomic medicine worldwide. ACMG’s digital platforms provide extensive resources, including policy documents and educational programming, enabling practitioners to stay abreast of evolving standards of care.
The ACMG Foundation complements this mission by focusing on philanthropic support to expand educational outreach and research initiatives. Philanthropy has proven essential in accelerating the translation of genomic science into clinical practice, shaping public health strategies, and promoting equity in access to genetic services. The Foundation’s work ensures sustained investment in programs that build capacity among healthcare professionals and foster innovation across the genetics ecosystem.
Wells’ departure marks the end of an era but also signals a moment of poised potential for ACMG and ACMGF. The imminent appointment of an interim CEO underscores the organizations’ commitment to seamless leadership continuity, ensuring the momentum of ongoing efforts remains uninterrupted. As genomics continues its trajectory toward greater clinical integration and societal impact, the foundations established during Wells’ leadership will be pivotal in navigating future challenges and opportunities.
Her legacy embodies the synthesis of visionary strategy with operational excellence, manifested through measurable achievements that have strengthened ACMG’s role as a pivotal institution within medical genetics. By addressing the financial, structural, and human capital dimensions of organizational success, Wells has reinforced a comprehensive blueprint for sustained influence in the evolving landscape of genomic medicine.
Moving forward, ACMG and ACMGF are positioned to deepen their influence on policy, education, and clinical standards. They will continue promoting responsible and equitable implementation of genomics-driven healthcare, shaping a future where genetic insights increasingly inform personalized medicine, disease prevention, and health optimization. Wells’ transformative leadership has laid the groundwork for these ambitions to be realized, affirming ACMG’s mission to improve health through the power of genetics and genomics.
Subject of Research: Leadership Transition in Medical Genetics and Genomics Organizations
Article Title: ACMG CEO Melanie Wells to Step Down After Pivotal Tenure Transforming Medical Genetics Leadership
News Publication Date: November 13, 2025
Web References:
- https://www.acmg.net/
- https://www.acmgfoundation.org/ACMGF/Charitable-Giving/Pay-It-Forward/ACMGF/Pay_It_Forward.aspx?hkey=5f9786e4-e642-4c4e-9b69-f456fe387b24
- https://www.acmg.net/PDFLibrary/The%20ACMG%20and%20ACMG%20Foundation%20Announce%20New%202025-2029%20Strategic%20Plans.pdf
- https://www.acmg.net/ACMG/Education/E3_Genomics_Pathways_Program.aspx?WebsiteKey=6e814a8c-3077-4552-ba39-f7fcacff42d6
References: None specified
Image Credits: ACMG
Keywords: Genetics, Genomics, Medical Genetics, Leadership, Strategic Planning, Diversity, Philanthropy, Workforce Development
