American Academy of Dermatology Executive Director Announces Retirement

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Mar 19, 2012, 11:00 ET

SAN DIEGO, March 19, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Ronald A. Henrichs, CAE, today announced his retirement as the Executive Director and CEO of the American Academy of Dermatology and American Academy of Dermatology Association (Academy), effective June 5, 2012.

"I have been anticipating retirement for a while, and it is with careful consideration that I have decided to move on to the next phase of my life," Henrichs said.

Henrichs' contributions during his nearly eight-year tenure include strategic planning, growth of the scientific meetings, expanded advocacy initiatives, enhanced membership services and support, and expanded specialty positioning activities.

"On behalf of the more than 18,000 members of the American Academy of Dermatology, we thank Ron Henrichs for his many significant contributions to the Academy and the specialty," said Ronald L. Moy, MD, FAAD, president of the American Academy of Dermatology.

"During his tenure, the Academy has enjoyed much growth. The Academy's annual meeting registration has increased from 15,000 in 2005 to more than 19,000 attendees in 2010, making it the world's largest dermatological meeting," Dr. Moy said. "The Academy's membership has grown from 14,000 to more than 18,000 worldwide. We have introduced three additional weeks of Camp Discovery for children with chronic skin conditions, enhanced the public perception of dermatology, launched an Endowment Fund, re-launched our member magazine, Dermatology World, and the Academy's website, and increased product offerings and member benefit programs," he said.

"In my time as CEO, I have had the privilege to work with members and staff to advance the specialty and to further the growth of the Academy. Our accomplishments are myriad, and the Academy's reputation as a premier medical specialty society has never been more prominent," Henrichs said.

Prior to joining the AAD, Mr. Henrichs served as the executive director of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R) for 15 years. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin's School of Business, Mr. Henrichs was director of Young Physician Services for the American Medical Association (AMA) before joining the AAPM&R as its fourth executive director.

Mr. Henrichs is an active member of the American Society of Association Executives, the Association Forum of Chicagoland, and the American Association of Medical Society Executives. Henrichs held leadership positions with the Specialty Society Coalition and the Council of Medical Specialty Societies. He served as secretary and a member of the executive committee of the American Association of Medical Society Executives. He has been involved in developing national standards for association management and is a frequent speaker on association management and governance issues. Mr. Henrichs earned the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation in 1994.

Henrichs' day-to-day responsibilities are being transitioned to Eileen Murray, CAE, MM, CFRE, who has served the Academy as the deputy executive director for the past four years, and will serve as acting executive director. The Academy has formed a search committee to hire a new executive director.

Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. A sister organization to the Academy, the American Academy of Dermatology Association is the resource for government affairs, health policy and practice information for dermatologists, and plays a major role in formulating policies that can enhance the quality of dermatologic care. With a membership of more than 18,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the Academy at 1 (888) 462-DERM (3376) or visit www.aad.org. Follow the Academy on Facebook (American Academy of Dermatology) or Twitter (@AADskin).

SOURCE American Academy of Dermatology