Graham Nelan Retires

After 29 distinguished years of service to the Society, Graham Nelan stepped down from his position as ATS deputy executive director of program and development on June 1.

Mr. Nelan held a number of positions at ATS over the years. In his most recent capacity, he worked with the Assembly, Education, International Conference, Membership and Chapters, Meeting Services, Corporate Alliances and Development, Patient Education, and ATS Public Advisory Roundtable staffs. He was the point person for the ATS Planning and Evaluation Committee and the Proficiency Standards for Clinical Pulmonary Function Laboratories Committee. Before joining ATS, Mr. Nelan worked as a staff respiratory therapist in a neonatal intensive care unit in Pittsburgh from 1974–79.

“For more than two decades, Graham has been the face of the ATS,” ATS Executive Director Steve Crane, PhD, MPH, says. “He has worked literally with thousands of ATS leaders and members from around the world. Graham embodies the spirit of research and the commitment to the care of patients that is the hallmark of the ATS as an international organization. He has served not only as colleague, mentor, and friend to staff, but also as a leader, innovator, and eloquent spokesman for the field. We all thank Graham for his magnificent service and wish him all the best in many happy years of healthy retirement.”

For Mr. Nelan, the best part of working at ATS has been the people. “It has been an honor, privilege, and source of great pride to have worked for the ATS for over 29 years,” Mr. Nelan says. “You don’t do something for that long unless you really enjoy what you do, and I certainly have. I have made many good friends, and I know that all of you will work to make the ATS grow and thrive. There are lots of wonderful things on the horizon, and you’re poised to make them happen.”

In photo above, from left, ATS Executive Director Stephen C. Crane, PhD, MPH, Graham Nelan, and former ATS Executive Director Carl C. Booberg.