Dear ASSH Members,
In the last ten days, I sadly reported the resignation of Thomas E. Trumble, MD from Council. At that time I indicated that Council would follow our bylaws regarding vacancies in the presidential line and that the 2009 Nominating Committee, chaired by Steve Glickel, MD was committed to filling the open position of Vice President quickly.
The 2009 Nominating Committee has met, and they nominated Daniel Nagle, MD to be elected Vice President. According to our bylaws , in the event of vacancies in the presidential line, Council is the body that elects the member to fill the unexpired term after receiving recommendations from the previous Nominating Committee. A week later, your Council met and unanimously elected Dr. Nagle as Vice President. Dan has been on Council three years as a member-at-large and three years filling the important role of Practice Director. His service on Council and to the Hand Society has been exemplary.
There is additional news to report that affects our governing structure this coming fall. Our new President-elect, Andrew Lee, MD, just accepted a position as the founding Chair of the Department of Plastic Surgery at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Dr. Lee will begin these new weighty responsibilities shortly before the Boston meeting. He felt that his new responsibilities would preclude his assuming the presidency of the Hand Society with vigor and dedication for 2010-2011. After conversations with the presidential line (Drs. Koman, Nagle and myself), Dr. Lee felt it was in the Hand Society's best interest that he not move into the presidency given his new academic commitments. Thus, he resigned his position as President-elect.
That means that Daniel Nagle, MD, as per our bylaws, has become President-elect of the Hand Society and will assume the position of President at the end of the Annual Meeting in Boston.
Dr. Lee indicated that he would still be able to fulfill the original role for which he was elected. Thus, the 2009 Nominating Committee renominated Andrew Lee, MD to fill the Vice President position that opened when Daniel Nagle moved into the President-elect position. Council immediately confirmed that nomination and elected Andrew Lee as Vice President; he will become President-elect at the end of the Boston meeting.
I realize that the shifts described above are somewhat complicated. Please rest assured that we have carefully followed our bylaws and policies with the assistance and advice of our General Counsel and Executive Vice President in these matters.
There are two pieces of good news in all the changes I've reported in the last ten days. First, our bylaws are well constructed and provide guidance for us in any event that may transpire. Next, we have a rich pool of incredibly talented and experienced people who are qualified, ready, and able to step up and serve should vacancies ever occur. We are grateful to Daniel Nagle and know that you, as members, will offer your support and assistance as he prepares to become President in October.
The 2010 Nominating Committee, chaired by Andrew Koman, MD, will present a report at the Members Business Meeting where they will nominate a Member-at-large (either >8 or <8) and a Vice President.
Daniel Nagle has graciously agreed to manage duties of the Practice Director until we initiate a process for that position. In the next two weeks, I will be communicating with you regarding our process for filling the unexpired Practice Director term and the timeline that we will follow.
Sincerely,
Robert M. Szabo, MD MPH