Global Headquarters for the International Society of Nephrology

Abstract

The International Society of Nephrology (ISN) is proud to announce the establishment of a global headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. Since April 1, 2003, the critical administrative functions of the ISN have been centralized into one focal management hub. This step represents a significant organizational change. It is a change that will lead to the increased efficiency and effectiveness of the Society's operations, allowing the ISN to better fulfill its mission to enhance the development of nephrology worldwide. Until now, the ISN has had several offices around the world. These were established within the professional premises of key officers to provide administrative support to their functions, such as membership administration, finances, general operations, and oversight of various programs. While this structure, with its excellent and dedicated staff, has served the ISN well, it became apparent to the Executive Committee that the increased scope of the programs, the complexity of the worldwide activities, the encouraging growth in global membership, and the opportunities facing the Society made a central and permanent management office essential. Various options were carefully reviewed. The members of the Executive Committee considered location, overhead costs, staff competencies, and the future needs of the ISN's development. Finally, it was thought that the services of a professional association management company would be the most appropriate solution. This option would eliminate the expense and worry of establishing the Society's own stand-alone central office and would provide ISN with a fully operational infrastructure and the expertise of experienced and specialized association staff on a totally flexible and cost-effective basis. Some 15 association management companies, from both the United States and Europe, were appraised before the selection of our partner in Brussels was confirmed. Therefore, since April 1, 2003, the ISN has a new professional team, based in Brussels, which comprises association professionals, experienced congress organizers, specialized membership administrators, accountants, and technology and communications specialists. Heading up this team is Mr. Thomas Reiser. As the new Executive Director of the ISN, Mr. Reiser will lead the professional staff team and provide strategic advice to the Executive Committee of the Society. Mr. Reiser, an Austrian national, has in-depth experience of managing professional medical societies, both in Europe and the United States. He combines a strong business background with a unique sensitivity for the specific needs of a global organization like the ISN. Tom Reiser and the team in Brussels will act in partnership with the Society's Executive Committee. They will be responsible for managing the business affairs and day-to-day operations of the Society, providing the Executive Committee Officers with a framework to focus on visionary leadership, to identify strategic opportunities for the ISN, and to enhance the awareness and importance of the study of nephrology around the globe. This important organizational change will have a considerable and positive impact on the management of the ISN and play a critical role in the further successful development of our organization. The ISN staff will focus on fund-raising, developing partnerships, helping to promote the Society, and raising public awareness concerning the causes and effects of kidney disease. The ISN will now be able to manage its International Congresses and Forefront Conferences from the global headquarters, regardless of the location of these meetings, and drive effective global marketing of these and new programs. The headquarters office provides the Society with a physical, central communications hub, which will soon be extended via a state-of-the art Web site into a virtual community for the benefit of members and nephrology around the globe. Those attending the World Congress of Nephrology in Berlin, Germany, from June 8 to 12, will hear more about future plans for the development of ISN and be able to meet the new ISN headquarters team. On A Practical Note The operations of the Atlanta, Georgia, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, and Cairo, Egypt, offices have been transferred to the new central headquarters in Brussels. Members who have any questions or comments should contact: International Society of Nephrology Global Headquarters Avenue des Gaulois, 7 B-1040 Brussels, Belgium Tel: 32-2-743 1546 Fax: 32-2-743 1550 E-mail: [email protected] www.isn-online.org The ISN-COMGAN and Kidney International activities will continue to be managed in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and St. Louis, Missouri, United States, respectively.