Board Meeting Minutes

Meeting Opening

The June 3 meeting began at 6:33 PM with 17 attendees. Executive members in attendance included Mitch O’Shea, Colleen McGowan, William Oliver, and Grace Fong. William Jackson was excused due to hospitalization.

The April 2026 meeting minutes were approved unanimously.

Advocacy Report

Robert Guardabasco reported on the Washington, D.C. Fly-In attended with Erin Sullivan. The Board discussed congressional outreach supporting the SOAR Act, pulmonary rehabilitation legislation, and the new Access to Improve Respiratory Care Act of 2026.

The Board unanimously approved the advocacy report.

Education Committee

Representatives from respiratory care programs across New Jersey shared graduation results, credentialing outcomes, enrollment updates, accreditation progress, clinical partnerships, and workforce developments.

• Rowan University reported 18 graduates and strong clinical-partner feedback.
• Rowan’s Degree Advancement Program reported continued enrollment growth.
• County College of Morris graduated 28 students.
• Bergen Community College graduated 27 students.
• Middlesex College reported strong credentialing and employment outcomes.
• Union College of Union County reported 21 graduates with 100% retention.

Shore Conference Planning

Planning continued for the October 14–16, 2026 Shore Conference at Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City. Nineteen presentation submissions had been received, with a goal of securing 22 total speakers.

Early-bird registration pricing remains available through July 7.

Community Outreach and Communications

Board members reported continued participation in career fairs and student outreach activities. The organization’s trifold brochure is being refreshed with updated program information, maps, and QR codes.

Instagram, LinkedIn, website, and events-page updates remain ongoing, with plans to revive the Scope newsletter by the end of the year.

Upcoming Events

• AARC Summer Forum: July 12–14, 2026, in Bonita Springs, Florida.
• NEOP Forum at Morristown Medical Center, with a virtual option available.
• Cooperative Artemis Conference: June 25, 2026.

Legislative and Professional Updates

The Board discussed progress on the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, advocacy following respiratory therapist position reductions at several facilities, and the importance of continued professional engagement through AARC and state societies.

Financial and Operational Updates

William Oliver reported that all organizational accounts remain in good standing. The 990-EZ tax filing and triennial financial compilation were completed, and officer crime and theft coverage was confirmed.

Recognition and Adjournment

The Board congratulated Colleen McGowan on completing her dissertation and earning her doctorate. Members were also recognized for career-fair participation, advocacy, and respiratory care promotion.

The meeting adjourned at 7:55 PM.

Meeting Opening

President Mitch O’Shea called the meeting to order at 6:35 PM and confirmed a quorum of eight Board members. Approximately 52–53 participants attended, including respiratory therapy students from programs throughout New Jersey.

February Meeting Minutes

Two transcription corrections were made before the February minutes were approved unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report

William Oliver presented the financial report, including organizational balances, improved interest earnings, AARC membership-share revenue, and upcoming insurance, tax, and audit obligations.

Membership Report

Membership stood at 1,096 members. Board members were encouraged to personally contact members whose renewals had lapsed.

Bylaws Update

Grace Fong presented the completed proposed bylaw revisions following committee collaboration and alignment with AARC guidance.

• April 15 – Board vote
• July–August – Membership review period
• September – Submission to AARC
• November – Anticipated House of Delegates approval

Communications and Website

Updates included new Board biographies, meeting links, education resources, donation capabilities, licensure information, and continued website improvements.

Advocacy and Education

The Board discussed the AARC Fly-In, federal legislative priorities, interstate compact licensure, educational program developments, and planning for the 2026 Shore Conference.

Other Business

Additional discussion addressed APRT pathways, ECMO legislation, physician-advisor recruitment, sleep medicine research, and New Jersey’s respiratory therapy employment market.