The Governing Board of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) is pleased to announce that Donald J. Palmisano, Jr., JD, CAE will join the organization as its Chief Executive Officer effective January 25, 2021.

Currently, Mr. Palmisano is the Executive Director of the Medical Association of Georgia (MAG), a position he has held since 2011, after serving as general counsel and leading the organization’s advocacy efforts. He is the current president of the American Association of Medical Society Executives (AAMSE), a member of the board of directors of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) Business Services, Inc, and a member of the stakeholder council of the American Board of Medical Specialties. He holds a law degree from Loyola University in New Orleans, LA and is a member of the State Bar of Georgia and the Louisiana State Bar Association.

Said ASGE President Klaus Mergener, MD, PhD, MBA, FASGE: “Donald comes to us with an amazing track record of accomplishments at MAG where he has increased membership to its highest level in 25 years, diversified membership and revenue streams and strengthened MAG's financial position. He transformed MAG into an advocacy powerhouse through building partnerships with a variety of stakeholders, and has assembled and developed a strong and loyal staff team. I am confident that Donald's insight, experience and leadership will guide ASGE into its next phase of growth and impact in the field of gastrointestinal endoscopy. We look forward to welcoming him into the ASGE family.”

Mr. Palmisano will take over the ASGE CEO position from outgoing CEO Barbara Connell, CAE, CMP. "On behalf of the entire Society, I thank Barbara for her leadership and expertise as CEO during a critical period in our Society's history," said Dr. Mergener. Barbara served ASGE for 17 years, overseeing numerous departments and groundbreaking initiatives. She has played a pivotal role in the Society's growth, including the planning, construction, and management of the Institute for Training and Technology, ASGE's state-of-the-art educational facility and headquarters office. Ms. Connell will work with Mr. Palmisano and the entire ASGE staff and physician leadership team over the coming months to ensure an effective and seamless transition.