Awards, Appointments & Announcements in Rheumatology

Lupus Foundation of America Appoints New CEO

The Lupus Foundation of America has appointed Stevan Gibson, its current president, CEO. The appointment comes after completing a 12- to 16-month plan to evolve his position. Mr. Gibson will continue in his role as president, overseeing senior management and carrying out the foundation’s mission, organizational growth and strategic framework. He adds the CEO’s responsibility of spearheading the foundation’s vision: research, advocacy, care services and development.

Mr. Gibson will continue to elevate awareness of lupus and focus on accelerating the research pathway toward better treatments for the disease.

After a 17-year tenure, former CEO Sandra Raymond will remain with the foundation as a senior advisor.

“The Lupus Foundation has terrific health educators who help with diagnosis options,” says Mr. Gibson. In 2017, the foundation opened the National Resource Center on Lupus, which was developed with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has international uses and provides up-to-date resources and information about lupus.

Susan Manzi Named Board Chair for Lupus Foundation of America

In another leadership change, the Lupus Foundation of America named Susan Manzi, MD, MPH, board chair. Previously, Dr. Manzi served for 15 years on the foundation’s Medical-Scientific Advisory Council and for five years as medical director.

“I feel that I’ve learned so much as medical director,” says Dr. Manzi, “and am excited to take on a broader role.”

As a pioneer in the scientific investigation of cardiovascular disease in people with lupus, Dr. Manzi is recognized as a leader in lupus research and patient care. She is currently co-director of the Lupus Center of Excellence and chair of the Medicine Institute at Allegheny Health Network (AHN), Pittsburgh, and has played a leading role in developing the AHN Autoimmunity Institute.

Dr. Manzi notes rheumatologists are generally very patient-focused, developing lifelong relationships with patients. For this reason, doctors need to take on a broader vision and approach to getting involved with policy, she says.

“Insurance tells us what they will cover. Hospital administrators tell us what we can do without costing the hospital too much. Lawyers tell us what we have done wrong,” Dr. Manzi says. “The Lupus Foundation of America opened my eyes to advocating for my patients.” 

Ann-Marie Lindstrom is an independent writer and editor based in the Tucson, Ariz., area.