It is an honor to join the American Association of Diabetes Educators as Director of Membership and Volunteer Services. I started in late-July and attended AADE19. At that time, I was able to meet many members, volunteer leaders and experts in the field.

As I shared with those who I met during AADE19 in Houston, my mother was a nurse and one of my three children was diagnosed with type I diabetes at the age of twelve. While my mother has passed, she left a legacy of caring. My child has grown and is now 24 years old. My family and I continue to benefit directly from the efforts of more than one diabetes care and education specialist, as well as other engaged health professionals that comprise our child’s diabetes care team. I want you to know it is also personal for me. I don’t see myself as “pushing papers back at the office,” but as an extension of those efforts already aligned to assist the person with diabetes to achieve his/her best life. Like you, I am also here to make a difference.

As for my background? I have more than 30 years’ experience in health care and association management. I have worked at the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, the American College of Healthcare Executives, the Healthcare Financial Management Association and the American Dental Association. My responsibilities have included roles in executive management, governance, strategic planning, chapter relations, business development, membership and marketing. I have an MBA with distinction from Keller Graduate School and am a Certified Association Executive.

This is a pivotal time in the evolution of the diabetes care and education specialist, the profession and the association. I am excited to be part of the extended team of individuals who are helping optimize the quality of life for persons with, affected by, or at risk for diabetes and chronic conditions.

I can be reached at srauchenecker@aadenet.org or (312) 601-4883.