Staff Spotlight: Pamela Gilbert, Sr. Manager, Member Networks and Engagement
This month, we spoke with Pamela Gilbert, an integral part of the Membership team and all things committees! She’s dedicated to helping the Academy’s sections and committees run smoothly.
How long have you been at the Academy?
I’ve been at the Academy for 6.5 years, since July 2019.
WIO 2025 General Assembly, left to right: Valerie Flanary, MD, WIO Chair; Pam Gilbert; Yelizaveta (Lisa) Shnayder, MD, WIO Immediate Past-Chair.
First, I serve as the liaison to both the Section for Women in Otolaryngology and the Section for Residents and Fellows-in-Training. In this role, I support these groups in planning and executing programs and events throughout the year, including at the Academy’s Annual Meeting. I also help coordinate the Academy’s annual committee application process, assisting committee chairs and staff liaisons with onboarding and training to ensure a smooth and meaningful experience for everyone involved.
2021 President’s Reception, Los Angeles, left to right: Pam Gilbert, Hayley Born, MD, SRF Governing Council Member-at-Large.
One of my most memorable experiences was at the 2021 Annual Meeting in Los Angeles. After 18 months of remote work and virtual interactions, we became the first group to hold a conference in the L.A. Convention Center following its pandemic closure. Walking into the bright atrium, seeing members and staff reconnect face-to-face, many for the first time since the world had changed, was truly magical. The sense of gratitude, resilience, and community was undeniable. It was a powerful reminder of the strength of our specialty and the importance of being together.
How did you get involved in your area of work?
I began my career teaching kindergarten and elementary school in the Midwest. I had never worked in a membership organization until moving to the D.C. area. Since then, the Academy is the fourth association I’ve had the privilege to serve. I love this work. I’m consistently inspired by our members’ dedication and am grateful to play a small role in supporting opportunities for connection, committee engagement, and professional growth.
What is something readers might be surprised to know about you?
I'm from a military family and have lived in eight U.S. states as well as England and Germany. When I first walked into the Academy, I immediately felt at home. The diversity of backgrounds, languages, and cultural traditions among our members and staff resonated deeply with me. It’s one of the many reasons I love working here; I learn something new every day.
Family at the lake
I grew up as a beach kid. Sun, sand, and palm trees were my happy place. My husband is pure Michigan, where “lake life” reigns supreme. Luckily, I’ve fallen in love with both worlds!
We’re building a lake house in southern Virginia to enjoy family time filled with boating, swimming, fishing, and long, lazy afternoons unwinding on the dock. It’s our perfect blend of coast-meets-lake!
