22 Jan Bruce J. Packett Named as New AAHIVM Executive Director
Washington, DC: The Board of Directors for the American Academy of HIV Medicine (AAHIVM) has unanimously chosen Bruce J. Packett as the organization’s new executive director. Packett has been with AAHIVM for over 13 years and is the current deputy executive director and director of educational programming. He will assume the role February 1, 2019, replacing James Friedman who recently announced his decision to retire as executive director after over 11 years leading the Academy.
“The Board could not be more pleased to pass the leadership baton to Bruce,” stated AAHIVM Board Chair Dr. Margaret Hoffman-Terry. “He has been an integral part of the continued growth of the Academy over the years thanks to his extensive knowledge of the clinical landscape of HIV treatment, as well as his understanding of the unique advocacy and educational needs of HIV care providers.”
Packett has served in many capacities during his time at AAHIVM. His positions have given him insight into budgeting, policy, operations, financing, chapter support, grant writing, and partnership development.
“I am really very grateful for the Board’s vote of confidence in me,” stated Packett. “It’s been my pleasure and honor to work with such a dedicated, engaged and forward-thinking membership and board. Jim has set an excellent example of leadership with absolute integrity, and I’m eager to build on his accomplishments. I look forward to working with our great staff and our dedicated board and members to keep the Academy respected and relevant.”
With his decision to retire, Friedman concludes his nearly 50-year career in public health. He was with the U.S. Public Health Services from 1973-1996, serving as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health Planning and Evaluation (acting), as well as Deputy Director of that office. Friedman also headed the health team at Hill and Knowlton Public Affairs in Washington, D.C., and served as Deputy Director of the Alliance for Aging Research before joining AAHIVM.
“We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Jim for his outstanding leadership,” stated AAHIVM Board Vice Chair Dr. Jonathan Appelbaum. “Under his guidance, AAHIVM experienced exponential growth including an unprecedented increase in membership, the expansion of the credentialing program, the launch of our quarterly magazine, HIV Specialist, and a greater reach for our advocacy efforts. We wish Jim only the best and I am confident that Bruce will have just a much success during his tenure.”
Friedman will continue to be involved with the Academy on a part time basis, providing strategic counsel and overseeing the Corporate Scientific Advisory Board.
“As I step down from the position of executive director of AAHIVM, it gives me pause to reflect on my career,” stated Friedman. “I have worked in public health for nearly 50 years and was honored to have had a chair at the table for many of the most important public health issues of the day—including HIV. But I can truly say, the last 11 years at AAHIVM have been the most rewarding.”
According to Packett, 2019 will be a year of continued growth for AAHIVM with emphasis on providing strategic advocacy at the state and federal levels, more robust digital education offerings, expanded external reach through partnerships and a greater investment in the Academy’s credentialing program.
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AAHIVM is the nation’s largest independent HIV provider organization, supporting the HIV practitioners and promoting accessible, quality care for all Americans living with HIV disease. The Academy’s membership of HIV practitioners and credentialed providers give direct care to the majority of HIV patients in the US.