IACUC Administrators Association (IAA)

IAA is a professional organization dedicated to fostering collaboration, professional growth, and education in animal care and use compliance across sectors like academia and industry. It provides a platform for knowledge sharing and networking, focusing on regulations, program compliance, and efficient management practices. The IAA supports professionals at all career stages, offering development opportunities to help them navigate the complexities of biosafety administration with confidence and expertise.

Webinar Objectives

Each webinar aims to foster engaging discussions on proven program management and operational techniques to achieve specific goals. A research compliance expert will kick off the session by presenting ideas on the chosen topic. Participants will then engage in open discussions to refine and validate these practices. Attendees are encouraged to submit questions about the topic in advance to wggreer@umich.edu. During the webinar, participants can share their own institution’s practices and ideas to enrich the conversation.

Brief Agenda and Discussion Points

Topic Summary

Join the IAA webinar on controlled substance management to learn how to navigate regulatory requirements and ensure proper oversight in animal research. In this discussion, Kelli Christman, Controlled Substance Monitoring Program Manager and her colleague Josh West, Controlled Substance Monitor at the University of Michigan will cover key compliance principles, best practices, and the role of IACUCs in managing controlled substances. Don't miss this opportunity to strengthen your program and avoid compliance pitfalls!

Brief Agenda and Discussion Points

Join Kelli and Josh for an informative session on the use and oversight of controlled substances in research. They will cover key topics, including:

1. Defining Controlled Substances – What qualifies as a controlled substance in research.
2. Regulatory Overview – Key regulations and oversight bodies, from security to disposal.
3. Authorization Process – How researchers gain approval to use controlled substances.
4. Oversight Responsibilities – Who is responsible for monitoring controlled drug use.
5. Monitoring & Recordkeeping
   • Examples of good and bad recordkeeping practices.
   • Proper labeling and separation of expired vs. usable substances.
   • Practical strategies for maintaining compliance.
6. Institutional Compliance Validation – Should institutions implement monitoring programs?
7. Compliance Oversight Committees – The role of an IBC or independent review group.
8. Addressing Non-Compliance – A tiered approach (e.g., red, yellow, green) to managing violations.

This session will provide practical insights and strategies to ensure compliance and effective oversight of controlled substances in research.

Register Now to Secure Your Spot!

Submit related questions in advance to wggreer@umich.edu and join us to prepare for this important regulatory update!

Membership Drive - Join Today!

Support the vital work of IAA while unlocking exclusive benefits designed to enhance your professional growth. By becoming a member, you ensure our ability to continue providing top-tier professional development opportunities—not just for IACUC administrators, but for anyone involved in their institution’s Animal Care and Use Programs (ACUPs).

As a member, you’ll enjoy free access to regular webinars throughout the year, discounted rates for online and in-person virtual meetings, and a host of resources to support your career and program management goals.

Don’t miss out—check your current membership status here: [Membership Status], or secure and renew your membership today at [Memberships]. Join us in shaping the future of animal care and use compliance while reaping the rewards of IAA membership!

Programs Support

Maintaining an IAA membership provides valuable benefits, including access to exclusive discounts on programs, resources, and services that enhance professional development and organizational efficiency. IAA activities are supported in part by OLAW, NIH, memberships, and event fees.

We encourage you to join or renew your membership annually. As a member, you can attend webinars for free and receive discounted attendance fees at both online and in person meetings.

IACUC Administrators Alliance:

We’re excited to announce the formation of the IACUC Administrators Alliance to further strengthen activities supported and hosted by the IAA. It will include a dedicated group of alliance faculty members who will meet regularly to identify pressing issues within the community and develop best practices to address them. Together, we’ll foster collaboration, share expertise, and create solutions that benefit the entire animal care and use community.

Guest Speakers: 

Kelli Christman, MHA, has worked in healthcare and research compliance at the University of Michigan (U-M) for more than 18 years. She has a background in inpatient pharmacy services and experience working in the U-M Health System Research Pharmacy managing investigational drugs for more than 400 clinical trials, including controlled substances. She has been in her current role as the Program Manager for the U-M Research Controlled Substance Monitoring Program for more than three years and was the Controlled Substance Monitor for the program for seven years.  She received her bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration from Ohio University and her master’s degree in health administration from Eastern Michigan University. Using her skills in communication, crisis management, record auditing, and pharmacy practices, she assists faculty and staff across all research areas at U-M with their controlled substance compliance at the institutional, state, and federal levels.

Joshua West, BS, University of Michigan (U-M) Controlled Substances in Research Monitoring Program Monitor, has more than 17 years’ experience as a researcher and over 2 years of experience in research compliance at the University of Michigan. He received his bachelor’s degree in Anthropology-Zoology from the University of Michigan. His research expertise lies with human genetic research, cardiovascular and pancreatic disease, and most recently in opioid drug discovery which offered a great insight in regulations regarding controlled substances. With having knowledge of scientific studies, laboratory management, employee relations, and best research practices, he assists faculty and staff across all research areas at U-M with their controlled substance compliance at the institutional, state, and federal levels.

Standing IAA Faculty and Facilitators

Bill Greer, Assistant Vice President for Research, University of Michigan: Bill graduated from The Pennsylvania State University in 1985 with a degree in Microbiology. He oversees research compliance programs for animal care and use, biosafety, lab safety, controlled substances, and autonomous systems. Over his 30+ year career, Bill has held roles including Associate Director for Research Compliance, IACUC Vice-Chair, and Biosafety Committee Chair at Penn State, as well as production manager and safety director at Intervet (formerly Tri Bio Laboratories).

In 2005, Bill organized the first Research Administrators Best Practice Meeting, creating a platform for research oversight professionals to discuss programmatic concerns. He continues to facilitate at least five annual Best Practice Meetings focused on biosafety and animal care and use programs. In 2010, he chaired the founding committee of the IACUC Administrators Association (IAA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to education and serves as its president and board chair.

Since 2007, Bill has been an ad hoc consultant to the AAALAC Council, conducting institutional program reviews and assessments. He also served on the Council of Certified Professional IACUC Administrators (CCPIA). As an educator, Bill regularly lectures at conferences including PRIM&R, AALAS, BTAA, and C3, and facilitates IBC and IACUC Best Practice Meetings, continuing to support the IBC and IACUC administrative communities.

Ron E. Banks, DVM:  received his veterinary degree from Auburn University’s School of Veterinary Medicine, and retired a Colonel from the United States Army Veterinary Corps.  After postings as the Director, Center for Comparative Medicine, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, Colorado; and Director, Office of Animal Welfare Assurance at Duke University, Durham, North Carolina; and the Director, Division of Comparative Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; he is currently retired.  Along his professional journey he has contributed as Council Member on AAALAC’s Council on Accreditation; Chairman of the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee; Board Member for the IACUC Administrator’s Association; and Fellow of the National Academies of Practice.  Dr. Banks is board certified with the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine; the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine; and he is a Charter Diplomate of the American College of Animal Welfare.

The Meeting Time is EASTERN TIME ZONE

When  March 5, 2025, from  3:00 PM to  4:30 PM

Webinar - This session will be held remotely.

Event Fee(s)