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:

Mike Supancich, M.D. (Chair) - Retired ophthalmologist and SAA Support Group Leader, Carlsbad, CA - "I hope to help the Spondylitis Association of America increase public awareness regarding all aspects of this disease."

Jeff Horn, BS, MBA (Vice Chair) - Energy Markets Staff Manager for Southern California Gas Company - "I don't have AS, but I originally joined the organization to support a friend who does. Since then, I've been inspired by the courage, determination, dedication, progress and success of patients, their families, physicians, researchers and our members. Everyone can benefit by supporting SAA."

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."

Karrie Shogren, Ph.D (Secretary) - Assistant Professor, Department of Special Education, Autism and Developmental Disabilities at the University of Texas at Austin. - “I am honored to have the opportunity to contribute to the work of the SAA and to be involved in efforts to continue to develop strategies to help enhance the quality of life of people with ankylosing spondylitis and their families.”

Board Members:

Scott Ellis, MBA - Chief Operations Officer, New Teacher Center, Cupertino, CA - "As a spondylitis patient, I have a strong personal connection to SAA and its mission. Based on my experience with other non-profits, I think SAA is an extremely well-run organization and I am excited to support its efforts. I am inspired by the passion and talent of the staff, and optimistic about the impact we will have in the months and years ahead."

Craig Gimbell, DDS - Retired Dentist and Researcher in Denville, NJ

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."

Charlotte K. Howard - 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.”

Ann Kittell Howat - Formerly a corporate communications professional with Ameritech Corporation, Chicago, IL - "I am interested in being affiliated with the Spondylitis Association of America primarily because of the research the organization supports and its dedication to finding a cure for AS."

Brian MacKenzie - Director in the Economic and Valuation Services practice of KPMG LLP. - "I am excited about being a part of the SAA and I'm looking forward to helping to meet the unique opportunities that are currently open to the organization. I am committed to helping the organization grow and provide the kind of support our members demand."

Michael Pianin, Esq. - 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."

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."

Clarence So - Chief Marketing Officer for SalesForce.com in San Francisco, CA

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."

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