SAN FRANCISCO -- David Parke, MD, president of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (Academy), today announced that the Academy’s Board of Trustees has accepted planned retirements of the organization’s two senior staff leaders, H. Dunbar Hoskins, Jr., MD, executive vice president and chief executive officer and David J. Noonan, deputy executive vice president and chief operations officer.
In announcing the transition, Dr. Parke noted that the change arises out of a carefully orchestrated succession plan initiated by Dr. Hoskins and Mr. Noonan with the Academy leadership early this year.
“Our profession and the Academy have been fortunate to have benefitted from the service of Dr. Hoskins as CEO for 16 years and Mr. Noonan as COO for 37 years. Consistent with their leadership style, they have carefully prepared the organization for change. Soon we will begin the search for a new Executive Vice President,” commented Dr. Parke.
Mr. Noonan will leave his position in January 2009. Dr. Hoskins will depart in the spring of 2009, pending selection of his successor. Both men will continue to serve the organization as consultants. “Both Mr. Noonan and Dr. Hoskins have skills and a rich knowledge of the organization and profession that will benefit the Academy for years to come,” noted Dr. Parke.
When asked to recount the highlights of the Academy achievements during his tenure as CEO, Dr. Hoskins noted that such a list was not his success but rather those of the Board, the volunteer physicians and a committed professional staff. “I am pleased that we can all take pride in having united and reduced divisiveness within the profession, cultivated ophthalmology as a force in medical advocacy, achieved financial success for the Academy, developed an electronic communication and educational site for the members -- O.N.E . -- and enhanced the Academy Foundation’s ability to support future needs of the Academy and the profession.”
Dr. Hoskins added, “The greatest accomplishment is in leaving behind an extraordinarily capable management team and professional staff.”
Recalling his long career Noonan, who participated in the growth of the Academy from the days in a small office in Rochester, Minnesota, said, “I take great satisfaction in having been a part of an organization whose members commit their lives to caring for people. In leaving my role as COO, I am delighted at having participated in building an Academy culture that permits the staff to bring the same commitment to the Academy membership.”
About the American Academy of Ophthalmology
AAO is the world's largest association of eye physicians and surgeons—Eye M.D.s—with more than 27,000 members worldwide. Eye health care is provided by the three “O’s” – opticians, optometrists and ophthalmologists. It is the ophthalmologist, or Eye M.D., who can treat it all: eye diseases and injuries, and perform eye surgery. To find an Eye M.D. in your area, visit the Academy's Web site at www.aao.org.
