About Us
The American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) is the leading professional organization for writers, editors, and other communicators of medical and health information. Read our mission statement.
AMWA has several regional Chapters. Our Carolinas Chapter has approximately 290 members living in North Carolina and South Carolina.
The Carolinas Chapter offers open sessions at our Annual Spring Conference. We invite speakers and foster informal networking among medical writers at our Chapter events. Our events, which are virtual, regional, or held in the North Carolina Research Triangle region, are open to prospective members and guests.
Please learn more about the benefits of being part of AMWA and this local Chapter and join us!
New Partnership
In 2024, AMWA Carolinas became a member of the North Carolina Biotechnology Center’s intellectual exchange group program. This collaboration, established in partnership with AMWA National Headquarters, grants us increased visibility, access to prime event space in RTP area for educational and professional gatherings, and valuable networking opportunities with other IEG organizations. Learn more about the IEG program here.
History of AMWA Carolinas
AMWA Carolinas has been a chapter of AMWA since the 1970s. AMWA Carolinas was classified as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2000 (Federal ID 58-1810585). The chapter was incorporated as a nonprofit in North Carolina in 2017.
Do you have any chapter history to share with us? Share your insights with our Chapter Historian, Maria X. Cardenas Alvarez, by filling out our Chapter History Intake Form.
AMWA Carolinas Executive Committee History
*History of additional roles is available upon request
2025
President: Jayanika Samaranayake
President-Elect: Abigail Agoglia
Secretary: Katie Kelm
Treasurer: Simone Otto
2024
President: Jenni Pickett
President-Elect: Jaya Samaranayake
Secretary: Nina Oshiokpekhai
Treasurer: Simone Otto
2023
President: Demetrius Carter
President-Elect: Jenni Pickett
Secretary: Nina Oshiokpekhai
Treasurer: Simone Otto
2022
President: Kim Jochman
President-Elect: Demetrius Carter
Secretary: Nina Oshiokpekhai
Treasurer: Simone Otto
2021
President: Kim Jochman
President-Elect: Demetrius Carter
Secretary: Simone Otto
Treasurer: Paula Davis-Searles
2020
President: Lydia Morris
President-Elect: Kim Jochman
Secretary: Simone Otto
Treasurer: Paula Davis-Searles
2019
President: Jill Moffett
President-Elect: Lydia Morris
Secretary: Simone Otto
Treasurer: Paula Davis-Searles
2018
President: September Mihaly
President-Elect: Jill Moffett
Secretary: Paula Davis-Searles
Treasurer: Lydia Morris
2017
President: Loretta Bohn
President-Elect: September Mihaly
Secretary: Kelsey Tsipis
Treasurer: September Mihaly
2016
President: Jacqueline Powell
President-Elect: Loretta Bohn
Secretary: Kelsey Tsipis
Treasurer: Kate Lothman
2015
President: Eugene Casale/Karen (Potvin) Klein
President-Elect: Jacqueline Powell
Secretary: Kelsey Tsipis
Treasurer: Catherine Champagne
2014
President: Kate Lothman
President-Elect: Eugene Casale/Karen (Potvin) Klein
Secretary: Megan Thomas
Treasurer: Catherine Champagne
2013
President: Ann Winter-Vann
President-Elect: Kate Lothman
Secretary: Martin Wall
Treasurer: Catherine Champagne
2012
President: Tecca Wright
President-Elect: Ann Winter-Vann
Secretary: Deana Betterton-Lewis
Treasurer: Lori Rochelle
About our Chapter Historian
Maria X. Cardenas-Alvarez currently serves as the Chapter Historian and is one of the Member Liaisons for AMWA Carolinas. After completing her PhD in Molecular Pathogenesis, she relocated to North Carolina as a Postdoc at the University of North Carolina. In this role, she leads research projects on antibiotic resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae and contributes to the writing of scientific papers, grants, and material for conferences. Over the past few years, her interest in medical writing has grown, leading her to secure an internship in 2021 and to join the AMWA Carolinas Chapter in 2022. Upon completing her Postdoc, she plans to transition into the field.
Maria has found a supportive and helpful community in AMWA Carolinas and advises anyone who is looking to enter the field to take advantage of the resources offered by it. She believes that flexibility and curiosity are essential traits for a medical writer to deliver high-quality work, meet client expectations, and remain competitive in a constantly changing field.
