Our History

Mission

The American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD) is a nonprofit professional society of crime laboratory directors and forensic science managers dedicated to providing excellence in forensic science through leadership and innovation.

Organization Beginnings

Usually pronounced “azz-clad” by those in the forensic sciences, The American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD) is a nonprofit professional society of crime laboratory directors and forensic science managers dedicated to providing excellence in forensic science through leadership and innovation. The purpose of the organization is to foster professional interests, assist the development of laboratory management principles and techniques; acquire, preserve and disseminate forensic based information; maintain and improve communications among crime laboratory directors; and to promote, encourage and maintain the highest standards of practice in the field.

The ASCLD organization began to take shape in a meeting that occurred in 1973. In the fall of 1973, a small group of some thirty crime laboratory directors, geographically representing the country, met in Quantico, Virginia. Although called there by Clarence Kelly, then Director of the FBI, it was Briggs White, Director of the FBI Laboratory, who, by his desire to bring local laboratories and the FBI Laboratory together, made it all possible. At that meeting, a steering committee under the able chairmanship of Richard Fox, was formed and met in Kansas City in the spring of 1974. A constitution was drafted, and, in the fall of 1974, in Quantico at the first meeting, ASCLD was born. Chairman – Briggs White, FBI; Vice Chairman – Richard Fox, Missouri; Secretary – Atley Peterson, ATF; Treasurer – Larry Howard, Georgia. On February 18, 1976, ASCLD became ASCLD, Inc.

ASCLD is not an accrediting body. In the 1980’s ASCLD developed a standards subcommittee to evaluate the needs of the criminal justice system.  This subcommittee eventually incorporated as a separate and distinct non-profit entity based in North Carolina and has the acronym ASCLD/LAB [usually pronounced azz-clad-lab by those in the profession]. Due to our origins, our acronyms are similar but we are completely separate organizations with independent Boards, missions and structure.  ASCLD/LAB merged with ANAB in April 2016 and contact information can be found at www.anab.org.

ASCLD Presidency

ASCLD salutes an elite group of leaders who helped pave the way for the profession of forensic science. The role of president is both challenging and rewarding. Because ASCLD represents the leadership of the forensic science community, the office of ASCLD President, in many ways, is among the most powerful positions in forensic science. Those who have dedicated themselves to fulfilling the duties of ASCLD President deserve special recognition and gratitude. This is our tribute to them. Here are your ASCLD Presidents.

2024 … Scott Ford

2023 … Tim Kupferschmid
2022 … Jennifer Naugle
2021 … Laura Sudkamp
2020 … Erin Forry
2019 … Brooke Arnone
2018 … Matthew Gamette
2017 … Ray Wickenheiser
2016 … Jeremy Triplett
2015 … Jody Wolf
2014 … Brady Mills
2013 … Jay Henry
2012 … Jill Spriggs
2011 … Jill Spriggs
2010 … Greg Matheson
2009 … Beth Greene
2008 … Dean Gialamas
2007 … Stephanie Reilander
2006 … Bill Marbaker
2005 … Earl Wells
2004 … Earl Wells
2003 … Roger Kahn
2002 … Susan Hart Johns
2001 … Susan Narveson
2000 … Keith K. Coonrod
1999 … Michael G. Sheppo
1998 … Jami J. St. Clair
1997 … Frank A. Fitzpatrick
1996 … Kevin L. Lothridge
1995 … Carrie M. Whitcomb
1994 … W. Mark Dale
1993 … William J. Hartner
1992 … Robert S. Conley
1991 … Thomas J. Nasser
1990 … Richard L. Tanton
1989 … JoAnn Given
1988 … Barry A.J. Fisher
1987 … Robert W. Horn
1986 … Carla M. Noziglia
1985 … Rondal R. Bridgemon
1984 … Howard A. Harris
1983 … Enrico N. Togneri
1982 … W. Jerry Chisum
1981 … David T. Stafford
1980 … John F. Anderson
1979 … Donald A. Flynt
1978 … J. Eldon Straughan
1977 … Douglas M. Lucas
1976 … Larry B. Howard
1975 … Richard H. Fox
1974 … Briggs J. White

Briggs J. White Award

Dr. Briggs J. White

When Dr. Briggs White became the Director of the FBI Laboratory, he recognized the need for closer cooperation with state and local crime laboratories, understanding the symbiotic value that could ensue. In 1973, he persuaded FBI Director Clarence Kelly, to invite thirty laboratory directors to a meeting at the FBI Academy in Quantico VA .

In the fall of 1974 after a great deal of debate, ASCLD was born with Dr. Briggs White as its first Chairman. ASCLD played a leading role in the improvement of forensic laboratories throughout the world, including raising the profile of forensic science in the legislative assemblies of the United States. Dr. White’s pivotal role was recognized with the establishment of the Briggs J. White Award for Excellence through Leadership in Forensic Science Management. The award was established at the direction of past President Bill Hartner to recognize an ASCLD member, past or present, who demonstrated managerial excellence in forensic science.

After the creation of the Briggs J. White Award, it was posthumously awarded to Dr. White at the 1994 ASCLD banquet.

The Awards Committee which is responsible for the administration of the program consists of the ASCLD President, ASCLD Immediate Past President, Nominating and Awards Committee chair, and two non-board regular members. Nominations are received by the chair and a recommendation from the committee is forwarded to the Board of Directors. If the Board concurs with the committee’s recommendation the award plaque is presented at the annual banquet. An engraved name plate is added to the dedication plaque.

2024 … Matthew Gamette

2023 … Jody Wolf
2022 … Ray Wickenheiser
2021 … Jean Stover
2020 … Kermit Channell
2019 … Jay Henry
2018 … Laura Sudkamp
2017 … George Herrin
2016 … John Neuner
2015 … Kevin Lothridge
2014 … Susan Narveson
2013 … John Collins
2011 … Carrie Whitcomb
2010 … Jami St. Clair
2009 … Pete Marone
2008 … Frank Fitzpatrick
2007 … Robert S. Conley
2006 … Susan Hart Johns
2005 … JoAnn Givens
2004 … Barry A.J. Fisher
2003 … Bud Keaton
2002 … Jan S. Bashinski
2001 … Paul Ferrara
2000 … Larry Howard
1999 … Douglas M. Lucas
1998 … Bruce Vander Kolk
1997 … Bill Hartner
1996 … Eldon Straughn
1995 … Bobby Blackburn
1994 … Briggs J. White

Foundational Documents

Bylaws

The purpose of ASCLD is to foster professional interests; assist the development of laboratory management principles and techniques; acquire, preserve, and disseminate forensic-based information; maintain and improve communications among crime laboratory directors; and promote, encourage and maintain the highest standards of practice in the field. ASCLD’s Bylaws can be found below.

Code of Ethics

ASCLD recognizes that laboratory managers bear additional ethical responsibilities beyond those expected of forensic scientists involved in analytical casework. Ethical issues can arise from activities for which managers are accountable, such as: hiring, training, and supervising subordinates; establishing policies and procedures for evidence handling and analysis; providing quality assurance; budgeting and expenditure of authorized funds; and proper handling of agency property and supplies. While laboratory managers might not be involved directly in the analysis of evidence and presentation of courtroom testimony, their actions as managers can have a profound impact on the integrity and quality of the work product of a crime laboratory. ASCLD’s Code of Ethics can be found below.