American College of Rheumatology Recognized as a Top Atlanta Workplace

ATLANTA – The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) is pleased to be named a 2020 Top Workplace by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) for the fourth consecutive year. As the only medical association selected out of 150 top workplaces, this distinction is a testament to the staff’s resiliency in the face of transition.

In 2019, the ACR’s long-time executive vice president (EVP), Mark Andrejeski, retired. After an extensive search, Steve Echard, IOM, CAE, took the helm as the College’s new leader. As with any administration change, employees had to maintain work productivity while adapting to a new leadership style, vision and direction. 

“Over the past several months, everyone has worked hard adjusting to the shifts that inevitably occur whenever there is a leadership change. Our dedicated employees demonstrated the fortitude necessary to continue the ACR’s mission of empowering rheumatology professionals to excel in their specialty; and we’ve done so while enjoying the work we do and the work/life balance we’re afforded,” said Echard. “This is an honor that the entire ACR team can be proud of.”

Nearly 3,000 companies were nominated or asked to participate in the 2020 Top Workplaces awards, with more than 41,000 metro-Atlanta employees completing the survey. The ACR was chosen as one of 65 companies in the Top Workplaces small company division, which is defined as having 149 or fewer employees. Survey responses from employees, including statements rated on a seven-point Likert scale, were used to determine Top Workplaces winners. Employees were also encouraged to provide open-ended feedback about companies.

“The ACR cares about its employees and it’s clear by the benefits we receive,” said one employee about the ACR’s company culture. Another shared that “The new EVP is a breath of fresh air and very much encourages new ideas to be brought up and discussed. He is visible, approachable and already encouraging progressive ideas.”

ACR employees also noted the company has a “family feel no matter the size” and a sense of satisfaction with “making a difference in the lives of others” when asked what they value most about working for the organization. In addition to these factors, the ACR provides a competitive benefits package that includes employer-paid health, dental, long-term and short-term disability insurance; a defined employer contribution retirement plan; vision coverage plans; paid leave; and a flexible work schedule.

Media Contact
Monica McDonald
mmcdonald@rheumatology.org
404-365-2162

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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.