ACOFP: OUR CONTINUING HISTORY 143 Leadership EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ACOFP owes much to its executive directors, and their staff, who tirelessly manage the tasks of day-to-day operations. These professionals project ACOFP’s image and direction and set the tone of operations. The first executive secretary in California was also the only osteopathic physician to run ACOFP’s day-to-day operations. Alfred J. Schramm, DO, one of ACOFP’s original eight founders and most senior of that group, became the first executive secretary. Dr. Schramm resided at 5889 San Vicente Boulevard in Los Angeles, California, and his office became the official address of the college for a number of years. Dr. Schramm was nearing retirement age and, therefore, possessed the time and resources to perform his duties. He began full-time ACOFP employment in 1960, 10 years after the formal organization of the college. Dr. Schramm would serve in this role until the college was forced to move operations to the Midwest as a result of California Proposition 22, known as the California Merger. The first executive secretary to take the helm following the move to Chicago was Jack Hank, owner of Allied Appraisals. Hank was hired initially to be a part-time executive secretary, and he would serve in that role for 18 years, making him the longest-serving temporary executive director in ACOFP history. He and his company would be linked with ACOFP for that entire time. Jack Hank provided the organizational skills and financial background to put ACOFP in a place of prominence. For more information on Hank’s tenure as executive director and his tumultuous termination, see “Chicago Bound,” in Chapter 1, page 15. Within months of the break from Jack Hank, Betty Vaught was hired from AOA to take over ACOFP operations as its third permanent full-time executive director. Prior to Betty’s term, John P. Sevastos, DO, FACOFP, and Larry Koplovitz, DO, FACOFP, had befriended her professionally and established a strong bond. “She was such a good friend and responded very generously to our recommendation [to be executive director]. Once the board decided who should take over the leadership of ACOFP’s staff, she eagerly agreed and proceeded to work tirelessly for ACOFP. We felt fortunate to have someone like her strongly representing our profession,” said Dr. Sevastos in 2003. Betty worked seven days a week, day and night, single-handedly to manage the ACOFP office. This was no small task. She loved ACOFP and ACOFP loved her, not only as the executive director, but also as a person. Betty made sacrifices and gave of herself totally to ACOFP. Her knowledge of AOA operations and the connections she brought to the organization were invaluable in allowing ACOFP to increase membership and educational programs. She maintained a good rapport with the state leaders within ACOFP as well as the leaders of AOA and other medical organizations. Prior to Betty’s retirement, Jo Ann Ruston was hired April 1, 1985, as the office manager. On Sept. 1, 1990, she became the assistant executive director and held that position until she retired on Sept. 1, 1998. Jo Ann was instrumental in assisting with the transition between Betty and her successor George Nyhart. Jo Ann’s knowledge of the history and operations were greatly appreciated by staff and physicians
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