SEMC Program Committee: a great way to get involved

What is the SEMC Program Committee? 

The SEMC Program Committee is a diverse group of dedicated museum and industry professionals who represent varying career levels, disciplines, and Southern regions. The Committee is responsible for reviewing annual conference session proposals, assisting with the organization of the programmatic offerings, and acting as session shepherds. Each year they are led by SEMC's Program Administrator and a Program Committee Co-Chair, who work closely together in the organization of the committee. 

Volunteer Committee members must attend the mid-year meeting (in person strongly recommended to enhance meeting experience) and the fall conference (in-person only), actively participate in the review and critique of session proposals, and shepherd at least two sessions in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The 2024 Program Committee Meeting will take place on Thursday, March 7, 2024 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Although participation requires a substantial commitment of time, energy, and potential travel costs, the rewards are immense. Members work alongside a diverse group of professionals, meet industry peers from across the Southeast region, and become an essential part of the SEMC family. 

How can I apply?

Every year SEMC leadership reviews the existing Committee roll, determining which members will be invited to reapply for the following year. This process regularly opens vacancies for new members. Any current SEMC member (individual, institutional, or industry partner) is welcome to review the Program Committee Guidelines and submit an application during the application window. 

If you have any questions, contact Program Administrator, Heather Nowak at hnowak@semcdirect.net.

Applications for the 2025 Program Committee will open after SEMC2024 in Baton Rouge, LA concludes. 

SEMC WELCOMES THE 2024 SEMC PROGRAM COMMITTEE

Meet the 2024 Program Committee Co-Chair: Christa McCay

Christa McCay is the Collections Manager for the Marrietta History Center and the City of Marietta, Georgia. This year will be her 20th anniversary at the Marietta History Center where her main duties include the acquisition, registration, and maintenance care of the MHC's collection. She has previously served on the Georgia Association of Museums (GAM) Board of Directors. In 2023, Christa received the GAM Museum Professional of the Year award. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Masters' Degree in Heritage Preservation with an emphasis in Public History from Georgia State University.  

The Program Committee Co-Chair works closely with the Program Administrator and assist with providing informational, administrative, and organizational support to the Program Committee at large throughout the year. 

Thank you to the 2023 SEMC Program Committee

Special thanks to 2023 Program Committee Co-Chair: Timia D. Thompson

Timia D. Thompson was the 2023 Program Committee Co-Chair. Timia is the Collections Outreach Manager for the South Carolina State Museum. Her duties include management of the Museum’s Traveling Exhibition Program and serving as liaison to the South Carolina Federation of Museums (SCFM). Prior to working in museums collections, Timia worked in museum education as the Education Outreach Manager, Coordinator of Homeschool Programs, and Natural History Education Manager. Timia earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science with a minor in English from the University of Florida and her Master of Science degree in Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management with emphases in natural resource management and sociology of inequality from North Carolina State University. She has worked in non-profits, government agencies and as a university adjunct and assistant professor.

The Program Committee Co-Chair works closely with the Program Administrator and assist with providing informational, administrative, and organizational support to the Program Committee at large throughout the year.

Thank you to the 2023 SEMC Program Committee!

SEMC2023 Mid-Year Meeting in Louisville, KY

Thank you to the 2022 SEMC Program Committee!

SEMC2022 Hybrid Program Committee meeting Rogers, AR

Take a look at images from the SEMC2021 mid-year meeting (March 2021)

SEMC2019 Program Committee, Charleston, SC