ISHLT Adds Directors of Education and Research, Marketing and Communications
New leadership talent to support evolving organizational model and increased member value
ADDISON, TX – 7 December, 2020 – The International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation, the world’s largest organization dedicated to furthering the understanding of advanced heart and lung disease, has added Sue Bessner as the organization’s Director of Education and Research and Jess Burke as Director of Marketing and Communications.
Sue
Bessner will direct ISHLT programs including synchronous and asynchronous education and awards, grants and registries, and research. She will support the work of the Education and Research Oversight Committees, developing strategies and programming
that promote engagement, interdisciplinary relevance and participant diversity.
Sue brings more than 20 years of experience in staff leadership of education and research programs for professional societies. Most recently, she was Director
of Professional Development at the American Dental Hygienists Association. Prior to that, she served as Senior Manager of Research at SmithBucklin Corporation where she supported the research initiatives of 30 small- to mid-sized associations.
As
Director of Marketing and Communications, Jess Burke is responsible for raising the visibility of ISHLT, its members and programs, and adding to ISHLT’s value as an accessible, welcoming relevant year-round community. Jess is an experienced
marketing and communications professional with experience in nonprofits, agency environments, and publishing. She has served in senior marketing and communications roles for several nonprofits representing diverse fields, including endodontists, lighting
designers, and carwash owners. She supports the Publications Oversight Committee and its portfolio of programs.
“Jess and Sue bring vision and energy to ISHLT’s key program areas, supporting and building on the passion and commitment of members and leaders,” said ISHLT CEO Greg Schultz, CAE. “ISHLT is committed to providing our community and members around the world with relevant and enriching programs 365 days per year.”
The International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation is a not-for-profit, multidisciplinary professional organization dedicated to improving the care of patients with advanced heart or lung disease through transplantation, mechanical support and innovative therapies. With more than 3,800 members in more than 45 countries, ISHLT is the world’s largest organization dedicated to the research, education and advocacy of end-stage heart and lung disease. ISHLT members represent more than 15 different professional disciplines. For more information, visit www.ishlt.org.