SAA's Board of Directors is comprised of a talented group of professionals dedicated to SAA’s mission to be a leader in the quest to cure AS and related diseases, and to empower those affected to live life to the fullest.

Officers:

Craig Gimbel, DDS (Chair) - Retired Dentist and Researcher in Denville, NJ - "It definitely takes a great organization, delivering superior performance, to make a great impact. That sounds like SAA!"

Charlotte K. Howard (Vice Chair) - Communications Advisor, Exxon Mobil Corporation, Houston, TX - “Being on the board of directors of SAA is my way of giving back to the organization that was there for me when I needed information and support. The opportunity to be a part of leading SAA into the future is one that I feel honored to be given and I’m looking forward to the important work ahead.”

Leslie Kautz, CFA (Treasurer) - Principal at Angeles Investment Advisors LLC, Santa Monica, CA - "I joined SAA's Board because I wanted to join in its passion and creativity for making life better for people with AS."

Michael Pianin, Esq. (Secretary) - Partner - Pearlman & Pianin, PLLC, Southfield, MI - "Understanding the devastating effect this disease can have on people's lives, I'm proud to help SAA's efforts to work to find a cure."

Board Members:

Daniel Clegg, MD - Chief, Division of Rheumatology, University of Utah Medical Center, Medical & Scientific Advisory Board Chair, SAA. (ex-officio)

Eric Goldstein, CPA, MBA - Vice President, Goldman Sachs, New York, NY

David Hallegua, MD - Rheumatologist specializing in clinical research, patient care and teaching, Los Angeles, CA - "SAA is a beacon of hope to achieve better therapies and a cure for all patients affected by spondyloarthritis. There is no better cause than SAA for me to support in order to improve the lives of patients with arthritis."

Paula J. Olsiewksi, Ph.D - Program Director at the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. Dr. Olsiewski directs the Microbiology of the Built Environment Program and the Synthetic Biology Initiative. From 2000-2010 she directed the Biosecurity Program.

John D. Reveille, M.D. - Professor of Medicine and Director of the Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunogenetics at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston. He is also the Principal Investigator for the TASC Genetic Study (Triple "A" Spondylitis Consortium), which involves an international team of researchers in the U.K., Australia and the U.S. - "I have been involved with SAA in one capacity or another for 20 years. I feel that the time is ripe for me to join the Board to further our mutual goals of advancing research into the genetics of AS and educating patients and the general public about the disease."

James Rosenbaum, MD - Professor of Medicine, Ophthalmology and Cell Biology Chair, Division of Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases Edward E. Rosenbaum Professor of Inflammation Research Head, Uveitis Clinic Director, Inflammation Research, Casey Eye Institute Fellowship Program Director at the Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health Sciences University.

Randall Sapadin - Founder and CEO of the Maria Coppola Foundation (named in honor of my daughter who suffers from AS) - “Quality Life, Faith and Laugter; For One and For All.”

Laurie Savage - Executive Director, SAA. (ex-officio)

Robert Ulrich, Pharm.D., BCPS - Clinical Research Scientist, Abbott Laboratories - "Working with SAA enables me to participate in an organization dedicated to bring about a positive change. Coming from a family suffering with AS, their lives have been impacted through education and research. To be engaged in this process which has helped my family as well as many others is humbling but oh so necessary."

Hilary Wilson - President - Wilson & Associates, an Atlanta-based full-service management systems consulting firm established in 1991.

Honorary Board Members:

Rico Brogna - Former Major League Baseball Star

Jane Bruckel, BSN, RN - Co-Founder of SAA, first President of the Board of Directors and the first Executive Director.

Harry Bruckel, CPA – Volunteer accounting consultant since SAA’s inception through 2005.

Val Halamandaris - President, National Association of Home Care and Founder and Executive Director, Caring Institute

Mimi Kennedy - Actress, Activist and Author