The Board of Directors of the Gerontological Society of America announced today that James C. Appleby, BSPharm, MPH, DSc (Hon), has informed the board of his intention to conclude his service as chief executive officer when his current employment contract ends this December, marking the completion of 18 years of leadership.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to express our deepest gratitude to James for his extraordinary leadership and unwavering commitment to our mission,” said Board Chair Marilyn R. Gugliucci, MA, PhD, FAGHE, FGSA, AGSF, FNAOME. “For the past 18 years, he has helped transform our Society, strengthened its financial and organizational foundation, expanded its influence, and positioned it for continued success. While we will miss his leadership, we respect his decision and appreciate his commitment to ensuring a thoughtful and thorough transition.”
Appleby is GSA’s longest-serving CEO. During his tenure, Appleby guided GSA through a period of significant growth and innovation, advancing its mission while expanding programs, partnerships, and national visibility. Under his leadership, the organization increased its scientific impact through its growing Annual Scientific Meeting and journal portfolio, broadened its policy presence and influence, and introduced new communication strategies for having productive conversations about aging through the National Center to Reframe Aging.
“It has been one of the greatest privileges of my professional life to serve this organization and work alongside an exceptional board, committed volunteers, dedicated staff, and countless partners who believe deeply in our mission,” said Appleby. “After careful consideration, I concluded that the completion of my current contract is the appropriate time for the organization to begin its next chapter under new leadership. I remain fully committed to advancing our strategic priorities over the coming months and supporting a successful transition.”
The Board of Directors will immediately begin a national search for the organization’s next CEO. A search committee will be appointed to oversee the process, with the goal of identifying a leader who will build upon the organization’s strong foundation and guide its continued growth and impact. To support a smooth leadership transition, Appleby will remain in his role as needed beyond December, until a new CEO is recruited and well-established.
“GSA is in a position of strength,” added Gugliucci. “We have a clear strategic direction, more than 6,000 engaged members and partners, an outstanding staff, and a bright future. We are well-positioned to meet emerging opportunities. The Board of Directors is committed to conducting a comprehensive search that identifies the right leader to carry our mission forward.”
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The Gerontological Society of America (GSA), founded in 1945, is the oldest and largest interdisciplinary organization focused on aging. It serves more than 6,000 members in over 50 countries. GSA’s vision, meaningful lives as we age, is supported by its mission to foster excellence, innovation, and collaboration to advance aging research, education, practice, and policy. GSA is home to the National Academy on an Aging Society (a nonpartisan public policy institute) and the National Center to Reframe Aging.