American College of Rheumatology Appoints Sheryl McCalla as Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer

The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) announced today that Sheryl McCalla, JD, has been appointed as the organization’s first Senior Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer. In this new role, McCalla will assist the ACR’s Board of Directors and Executive Vice President (EVP) in developing its strategic priorities, aligning key stakeholders, and facilitating the execution of the strategic plan, as well as assisting in overseeing the administration and programs of the ACR.

McCalla’s appointment comes two and half years after Steven Echard, IOM, CAE, took over as ACR’s EVP and is part of Echard’s commitment to modernize, engage and grow the association while serving and adapting to the needs of a changing membership.

“I am committed to identifying the best, most innovative and effective ways to serve our members and the rheumatology community, and the best and most effective ways to ensure that all staff input is gathered, thoughtfully considered, and implemented as appropriate,” said Echard. “In her 11 years with the ACR, Sheryl has demonstrated success in program implementation, working collaboratively across a wide spectrum of internal and external constituents, and conceptualizing and launching innovative initiatives. Her vast professional knowledge and legal acumen will greatly benefit us in our future endeavors.” 

McCalla joined the organization in June 2010 and has held several leadership roles, most recently, the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives. During her tenure, she has played an integral role in the expansion of the ACR’s grant-funded public health programs focused on reducing health disparities, including spearheading the development of the ACR’s Collaborative Initiatives (COIN) department in 2014. The department is dedicated to creating and implementing programs meant to have a positive social impact and advance health equity in rheumatology. Since inception, it has grown to include a multi-million-dollar grants budget that it utilizes to develop nationally recognized public health programs in collaboration with ACR members, partnering medical societies, and other health organizations.

Prior to joining the ACR, McCalla spent more than 15 years practicing law and advising clients on complex business, employment, policy, and diversity issues and best practices. She received her Doctor of Law (JD) from Emory University School of Law.

“In my work at the ACR, I am driven by the belief that we can make change happen,” said McCalla. “I look forward to supporting continued collaboration among our staff and members and refining our internal systems to ensure we have a strong platform from which to see possibilities and envision and design the future of the ACR.”

 

Media Contact
Amanda Head
ahead@rheumatology.org
404-679-5330

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About the American College of Rheumatology
Founded in 1934, the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) is a not-for-profit, professional association committed to advancing the specialty of rheumatology that serves nearly 8,500 physicians, health professionals, and scientists worldwide. In doing so, the ACR offers education, research, advocacy and practice management support to help its members continue their innovative work and provide quality patient care. Rheumatology professionals are experts in the diagnosis, management and treatment of more than 100 different types of arthritis and rheumatic diseases.