As I begin my second term, we are experiencing a change in leadership with the retirement of our long-time friend, Executive Director Gerard M. Kelly.
Jerry came to the organization in 1970 as a young, newly rehabilitated spinal cord injured (SCI) veteran. He started his service as a board member but it was inevitable that Jim Peters-never one to miss talent or to take no for an answer when it came to the welfare of the organization and its members- would quickly recruit him to be his deputy and business partner for the next 31 years. That he did so is testament to Jerry’s business acumen, his charisma and, most importantly, the sensitivity and caring that made him an approachable and effective leader.
Jim and Jerry were a dynamic pair, taking the organization through tremendous growth in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. They unhesitatingly joined in, and often led, the fight for equal opportunity for people with disabilities. There were many victories along the way: the start of the VA-SCI system of care, passage of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, changes in building codes and standards to mandate greater accessibility, from the sidewalk to the airplane aisle-all culminating with passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990. They raised and bequeathed over $50 million in research dollars to individuals and organizations working toward a cure for spinal cord disorders and ways of improving health care for people waiting for a cure.
Jerry leaves a legacy behind that we as board members and staff must strive to live up to. I’m happy to say that we will have his help at least for a while, as he will be heading a committee to explore ways to strengthen our governance structure. We will of course miss his daily presence that never fails to calm and to charm. Happy retirement, Jerry, and thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
I would be remiss if I didn’t also mention two other people who have rendered faithful service to our organization: Board Members William Murphy and Marjory Regan, who each made the decision to retire from service in order to pursue other interests. Marjory, who served for the past six years, had the instinctive talent to see sides of issues the rest of us missed. Bill has been a fixture on our board for the past 23 years, and I credit him with my being president today. It was during a skiing trip in Vermont that Bill challenged me to run for the board. To both Bill and Marjory, thank you and God bless!
I’m happy to report that upon Jerry Kelly’s retirement, the board of directors, by a unanimous vote, appointed Paul J. Tobin as the new executive director of United Spinal Association. A Navy veteran and engineer by training, Paul has exhibited great energy, commitment and leadership talent since joining the staff in 1996 and during the past three years as deputy executive director. We are confident that he will work tirelessly with the board of directors to ensure that United Spinal Association continues to be the best SCI organization in the nation.
The leadership of our organization will always need your support and, as Paul embarks on his new position, I urge you to give him your understanding and to lend a helping hand when possible. I am sure that as he grows into his new position, you will see the dedication and perseverance we have seen over the years.
Be well. Be as active as you can be.
Clair Russell Hesselton, PhD
President
