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The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) today announced the appointment of Paul Pomerantz as ASA’s new chief executive officer, effective March 4, 2013. Paul Pomerantz will transition from his current position as Worldwide Executive Director of the Drug Information Association and will succeed Barbara Fossum, Ph.D., who has served as interim CEO of ASA since June 2012.
“We welcome Paul Pomerantz to ASA and are proud that such a highly sought-after and exceptional individual will be leading the future success of our organization,” said John M. Zerwas, M.D., president of the ASA. “Our Ad Hoc Committee on CEO Search carried out an extensive, competitive and rigorous selection process to find the most qualified candidate to become ASA’s next CEO. Paul Pomerantz has demonstrated strategic advocacy, leadership, exceptional collaboration and team building skills necessary to continue and build upon ASA’s accomplishments.”
Paul Pomerantz brings more than two decades of executive experience in the health care association sector to his new role. Paul Pomerantz currently leads the Drug Information Association (DIA), an 18,000-member international nonprofit organization with offices in the U.S., Asia and Europe, that facilitates knowledge sharing and collaboration within the medical products industry. During his tenure at DIA, Paul Pomerantz’s leadership helped the organization expand globally, establish new content areas and build critical relationships with worldwide health organizations, patients and students. Previously, Paul Pomerantz has held senior roles at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Society of Interventional Radiology, and Clinical Laboratory Management Association, among other health care related industry organizations and higher education institutions.
“Today’s changing health care environment presents a variety of new opportunities and challenges for the anesthesiology community,” said Paul Pomerantz. “I am extremely excited and honored to join ASA and work to increase our impact on the anesthesiology specialty, for our members, the patients we serve and the broader health care community. I look forward to working with ASA’s committed governance, staff and membership on our mission. Together, I believe we can continue to raise the standards of the medical practice of anesthesiology and improve patient care and safety.”
Throughout his career, Paul Pomerantz has demonstrated strength in regulatory and legislative advocacy and strategic communications. He has demonstrated strong capability in driving association membership growth and satisfaction through developing enhanced educational programming and standards, creating and sustaining strategic alliances with health care and related industry associations, and improving organizations’ operational and financial performance.
In the coming months, Paul Pomerantz will collaborate with Barbara Fossum, Ph.D., interim CEO of ASA, to ensure a smooth transition of leadership. Barbara Fossum will continue in her role and facilitate the transition until Paul Pomerantz starts on March 4, 2013.
“The ASA community thanks Barbara Fossum for her outstanding leadership and for establishing a clear path forward for ASA during this critical period,” said Dr. Zerwas.
The nine-member Ad Hoc Committee on CEO Search worked with Spencer Stuart, a leading global executive search firm, beginning in March 2012 to identify and vet more than 270 potential prospects and sources for the CEO position. The candidates considered were distinguished leaders in academia, associations, government, foundations and other non-profit organizations.
Paul Pomerantz received an M.B.A. specializing in Health Administration and a B.A. in Liberal Arts from Temple University in Philadelphia. He is a Certified Association Executive.
