In this super election year of 2024, the EAAS held our own Officer elections on 3 April. Andrea Carosso from the University of Torino (AISNA) was elected treasurer. Izabella Kimak from Maria Curie-Sklodowska University Lublin (PAAS) was elected Secretary General (for two years in the first instance). And this was because Ingrid Gessner (Secretary General since 2022) from the University College of Teacher Education Vorarlberg (AAAS) was elected President! Ingrid is the first woman to hold this office: in our 70th year, this was long overdue, and Ingrid will be an excellent President. In her inaugural speech to the General Meeting of members, Ingrid emphasised her commitment to more diversity, early career researchers, and the creation of a Teaching American Studies network. The three new officers are expertly supported by Vice President Aleksandra Izgarjan from the University of Novi Sad (AASSEE) who was elected two years ago for a four-year-term. Congratulations to all elected!

My thanks to Carmen Birkle (DGfA), the outgoing Treasurer for her sure and reasoned management of our financial affairs for the last four years. In particular, the relocation of the Amsterdam Trust Fund to Marburg required both patience and foresight, and Carmen ensured the transition was seamless. My thanks also to Hans Bak and Gert Buelens for their stewarding of the Amsterdam Funds in recent years.

I look forward to seeing you at an EAAS event in the coming years, perhaps one of the following:

April 2025: Women’s Network Symposium — Karlstad, Sweden

September (tbc) 2025: EAAS 36th Biennial Conference — Bologna, Italy

April 2027: Women’s Network Symposium — Novi Sad, Serbia

April 2028: EAAS 37th Biennial Conference — Paris, France (tbc)

It’s been an honour to serve as your President for the last 8 years. My best wishes to you all, and particularly to the Board and Officers of the EAAS!

Philip