Dear Membership:

My ten years with ASAM have been the most satisfying part of my career – both personally and professionally. The work that ASAM’s members do every day on behalf of patients and families means so much to me because I have personally seen how the work of addiction specialists helped my son now live a life in recovery. Professionally, I have had the opportunity to work with the most dedicated group of members who devote their precious time and talents to help advance the organization’s mission. I have also had the opportunity to work daily with the most talented team of professionals that I have ever known. Staff never cease to amaze me with the incredible work they tirelessly produce for the organization!

ASAM has honored me in so many ways that I could never have imagined- including this year’s McGovern Award and the AMA’s Medical Executive Lifetime Achievement Award. In addition, I am so grateful to be given Honorary ASAM membership.

I plan to stay connected to the addiction field – through my Honorary ASAM membership and through a role I will start this fall at Cornell University where I will be serving as Executive-in- Residence for the Sloan Program in Health Administration – my alma mater. One of my goals is to make sure that all of the students who graduate from the program understand the disease of addiction and their role in ensuring access to treatment.

I am very excited to be handing over the reins to Julia Chang, ASAM’s new EVP/CEO. Julia is someone I deeply respect and have known and worked with over the years. ASAM is in great hands with Julia!Thank you again for giving me the opportunity to serve ASAM.

Fondly,

Penny