Scoliosis Research Society Names Neuschaefer as Executive Director

On May 4, 2020 Ashtin Neuschaefer, CAE, assumed the role of executive director of the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) after the retirement of outgoing Executive Director Tressa Goulding, CAE. Goulding held the role for 26 of her 30 years with the SRS. Neuschaefer was previously the society’s Director of Administration, a role she undertook in 2018.

“I am humbled to have the opportunity to continue to serve the SRS and its wonderful members. While these are interesting and challenging times to be assuming this role, I know that the strength of our membership and staff will carry us through,” said Neuschaefer, in reference to accepting the position during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Neuschaefer will oversee the society’s 1,400 members and $5 million annual budget.

When asked what best prepared her for the new role, Neuschaefer responded, “There are three things that I feel have truly prepared me to take on this role, obtaining my Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential, working closely with the SRS Board of Directors for the last 5 years, and most importantly, working with and learning from my predecessor and mentor, Tressa Goulding.”

“My first areas of focus are on continued discussions on our Annual Meeting in September and making sure we can provide the same great education we are known for whether our members can join us in person or need to join us in a virtual space, and finalizing our new strategic plan to help set the stage for the next 3-5 years,” she said of her first steps as the new executive director.

SRS President Dr. Paul Sponseller spoke of his optimistic outlook of the future of the SRS with Neuschaefer as executive director, “The SRS presidential line, Board and other volunteers look forward to working with Ashtin in her new role. Given her knowledge of our organization and our members, we are certain that she will serve SRS well. We thank Tressa for her work in making SRS what it is today.”