Newsmakers

Elizabeth Rasmussen

Friedman named co-director of USC’s aging office

APHA member Daniela Friedman, PhD, MSc, was named a co-director of the University of South Carolina Arnold School of Public Health Office for the Study of Aging in January. Friedman, the principal investigator at the Healthy Brain Research Network, will be sharing duties with co-director Lee Pearson, DrPh, MS. The Office for the Study of Aging focuses on healthy aging throughout people’s lifetimes, from preventing obesity to preserving cognitive brain health.

Kingsbury named first student editor of AJPH

APHA member Diana Kingsbury, MPH, MA, will serve as the first American Journal of Public Health student editor, AJPH Editor-in-chief Alfredo Morabia, MD, PhD, announced in February. Kingsbury, a PhD candidate at Kent State University, will help review submissions to AJPH.

Stewart elected first black president of APA

Altha Stewart, MD, was named American Psychiatric Association president-elect in February. Stewart has held many leadership positions at APA, including secretary of the Board of Trustees, and is the organization’s first black president. Stewart, an associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, is a former director of public behavioral health systems in Michigan, New York and Pennsylvania.

Davidson named ambassador to nursing institute

Patricia Davidson, PhD, MEd, RN, FAAN, in February was named an ambassador to the Friends of the National Institute of Nursing Research. Davidson, who is dean of the School of Nursing at Johns Hopkins University, will use her awareness of policy to advocate for advancements in nursing science.

Arend chosen to lead surgeons group

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons in February selected Thomas Arend Jr., JD, CAE, as its CEO. Arend formerly served as COO of the American College of Cardiology.

Salyer added to American Health Council board

The American Health Council in February added Brenda Salyer, MBA, to its Nursing Board, where she will provide expertise in nursing and neurology. As a registered nurse in the Carolinas HealthCare System, Salyer treated patients suffering with traumatic brain injuries such as strokes and seizure disorders.

Board names Katsufrakis president

Peter Katsufrakis, MD, MBA, will be the first family physician to lead the National Board of Medical Examiners as president. Katsufrakis previously served as the senior vice president of the board’s assessment programs.

Unger appointed at AMA

The American Medical Association in March appointed Todd Unger, MBA, as chief experience officer and senior vice president of physician engagement. Unger’s experience in technology and marketing includes work as chief digital and marketing officer at Daily Racing Form.

Avenevoli named deputy director of NIMH

Shelli Avenevoli, PhD, in March was named deputy director of the National Institute of Mental Health after serving as acting deputy. Hired as a staff scientist in 2001, Avenevoli served as co-investigator on many studies and played leadership roles. She has a background in developmental science and epidemiology.

Patil wins Chief Data Officer of the Year award

Former White House Chief Data Scientist D.J. Patil, PhD, in March was named the first U.S. Chief Data Officer of the Year. The award, given by the CDO Club, was presented to Patil for establishing data-driven initiatives, such as the Precision Medicine Initiative and the Data-Driven Justice and Police Data Initiative.

Sabin Vaccine Institute names Gellin president of global immunization

Bruce Gellin, MD, MPH, in February was named president of global immunization by the Sabin Vaccine Institute. Gellin was formerly the deputy assistant secretary for health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Gellin also helped to develop the National Vaccine Plan.

Cancer group elects Jaffee as 2017 president

In March, the American Association for Cancer Research elected Elizabeth Jaffee, MD, as president-elect for the 2017-2018 year. Jaffee, the deputy director of the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, is an expert in cancer immunology and nationally renowned researcher. Jaffee served on the organization’s Board of Directors from 2013-2016, leading the association’s over 37,000 members.