ADA Board names Dr. Feldman interim executive director

Following its April meeting at the Chicago headquarters, the ADA Board of Trustees announced that ADA President Mark J. Feldman is serving as the interim executive director of the American Dental Association.

Dr. James B. Bramson is no longer with the ADA staff, after serving from 2001-2008 as executive director.

“We appreciate his contributions and wish him the best in his future endeavors,” Dr. Feldman said in his April 15 announcement to employees.

Mary Logan, who served as chief operating officer from 2001-2008, also is no longer with the Association. The ADA is also appreciative of her contributions to the Association.

Formation of a search committee for a new executive director is under way. Details about the search will appear in future issues of the ADA News as well as online on ADA.org.

Dr. Feldman discussed the situation in an April 18 e-mail to constituent and component dental societies. The text follows:

Since Tuesday [April 15], I have received many calls, e-mails and questions regarding the departure of the executive director and chief operating officer. The events of the past week moved rapidly. I’m sure you understand that, regrettably, prudence sometimes takes precedence and communications lag. I assure you that this will not be a problem moving forward.

I know that the first question on everyone’s mind is, “What happened?” And, I am sure you understand that we cannot discuss the details. On employment matters, ADA respects the privacy of all individuals no longer in its employ. Regardless of the former positions held, the same courtesies and deference are afforded.

The ADA continues to be guided by the strategic direction set forth in its 2007-2010 Strategic Plan. These goals and objectives are long-term strategies developed by the ADA leadership. The strategic plan and the overall direction of the ADA remain on course.

Let me assure you as well that the ADA Board of Trustees is moving swiftly to form a search committee and conduct a nation-wide search for a new executive director. As interim executive director, I have been meeting with ADA senior management in a supervisory role and a transition plan is being developed to ensure that the ongoing work of the ADA staff, councils, commissions and various taskforces continues. I have personally encouraged each senior manager to continue with the solid work that he or she is doing to execute that plan.

Let me close by saying that the American Dental Association is an extraordinary organization led by hundreds of volunteer leaders serving in many capacities鈥onstituent and component officers and boards, delegates, ADA Council and Commission chairs. Let’s not forget that we are the team of leaders responsible for ensuring that the mission of the ADA is fulfilled. We stand ready to serve our members, protect the public and elevate the profession. This has not changed. I am confident that I can continue to count on each of you to support me and the ADA Board of Trustees as we lead the organization through this transition.

Each of you, as leaders of this organization, can help us reassure members, staff and all stakeholders. With your support and trust, we will continue to remain America’s leading advocate for oral health.

鈥擬ark J. Feldman, D.M.D.
President
American Dental Association