ASA February 2003 Newsletter

Ronald A. Bruns

After an extensive nationwide search spanning several months, ASA officers decided without reservation that the best replacement for the retiring Glenn W. Johnson was already among our ranks. On January 16, 22-year ASA staff member Ronald A. Bruns officially replaced Mr. Johnson as ASA Executive Director.

After holding managerial positions, first in a family-owned upholstery shop and then at Johnson & Johnson Company, Mr. Bruns joined ASA in 1981. Just as his predecessor had done, Mr. Bruns began ASA service as an administrative assistant, excelled with each new responsibility given to him and eventually worked his way to the top of ASA’s hierarchy, most recently serving as Director of Administrative Affairs

Although many applicants were considered, few could match the knowledge and expertise that Mr. Bruns has developed through his more than two decades with ASA. He has overseen the programs on Anesthesia Consultation, Self-Education and Evaluation, Overseas Teaching and Preceptorship programs, to name just a few. He also took great pleasure in working with the ASA Resident Component since its inception in 1990. He has been and will continue to be involved with the Board of Directors and House of Delegates meetings, the Administrative Council and the American Medical Association Section Council.

ASA President James E. Cottrell, M.D., is excited about what Mr. Bruns will bring to ASA. “A ship that carries 35,000 passengers and takes on a new captain every 12 months would be in deep trouble if it didn’t have an outstanding crew. With Glenn Johnson’s retirement, Ron Bruns became our most seasoned crew member. Ron’s wise counsel and institutional memory have helped keep our ship afloat through many troubled waters over the past several years. As the first captain to have Ron as his first mate, for the sake of ASA, I hope that he will be the first mate of many captains to come.”

Mr. Bruns knows he has big shoes to fill and much work ahead of him, but he is eager to manage of one of the healthiest medical societies in the nation. “Clearly the strength of ASA stems from the efforts of our physician volunteers, who have kept us in the forefront of diverse areas such as governmental affairs, practice management and, of course, our excellent offerings for continuing medical education,” Mr. Bruns said. “I am looking forward to the challenges ahead and will strive to continue the effective leadership of my predecessor, Glenn Johnson.”

Additional Administrative Changes Keep Pace With Expanding Society
Although Mr. Bruns’ promotion left a significant hole in ASA’s executive staff structure, efficient internal reorganization quickly filled those holes.

Former Director of Communications Denise M. Jones moved into the position of Assistant Executive Director. Ms. Jones had served as Director of Communications since 1989, providing executive staff support for all public relations and communications activities of the Society. A one-time newspaper reporter and writer, Ms. Jones has developed a solid foundation in media and public relations. Before joining ASA, she served as director of public relations for the National University of Health Sciences and its Chicago-based clinics and was a freelance public relations consultant in the Chicagoland area.

Moving into the Director of Communications position, also as of January 16, was former Public Relations Manager Philip S. Weintraub. Mr. Weintraub has worked in the ASA communications department for more than seven years and has played a major role in national and state communications activities and spokesperson training programs. He brings to the executive staff more than 20 years of broadcast news experience, including writing, production and newsroom management. Prior to joining ASA, Mr. Weintraub served as manager of media relations for the College of American Pathologists and the American Dental Association.

In other executive staff news, Jill A. Formeister, an ASA employee for 17 years, moved into the position of Director of Scientific Affairs in July 2002. Ms. Formeister had served as Clinical Affairs Manager for four years and was Meetings Manager for 13 years. Before coming to ASA, she was a meeting planner for the National Association of College Admissions Counselors.

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