At the close of July 2021, Interim Executive Director Paul Divis resigned from the AARC to pursue another opportunity in his area of interest. Former AARC Executive Director Sam P. Giordano, MBA, RRT, FAARC, will step out of retirement to serve as interim executive director. He will oversee all executive office responsibilities as he had done in the past. He will immediately begin work with AARC President and CEO Sheri Tooley, BSRT, RRT-NPS, CPFT, AE-C, FAARC, and the Board of Directors to implement the search for a permanent executive director, as expeditiously as possible.
Sam brings AARC history and familiarity to his role as interim executive director, in addition to his respiratory therapy expertise. A Life Member of the AARC, Sam served as AARC President in 1980 and then came on board for what would be a 30-year tenure as executive director in 1982. In 1999, Sam became a Fellow of the AARC. In 2002, he received the Jimmy A. Young Medal, the highest honor bestowed by the AARC. Sam was honored to be inducted into the inaugural class of the Hall of Legends in 2014. Sam considers himself first, last, and always a respiratory therapist.
“We wish all the best for Paul in his new endeavors, and welcome Sam back to the AARC,” Tooley said. “We look forward to Sam’s leadership and experience to help guide the AARC during this time. We want only the best for our members and to grow the profession overall. We remain committed to this mission during this time of change and development.”
Email newsroom@aarc.org with questions or comments, we’d love to hear from you.
Heather Willden is the Director of Governance and Strategic Initiatives for the AARC where she works with state affiliates as the HOD liaison. She also manages DEI efforts and strategic initiatives. Connect with her about these topics by email, AARConnect or LinkedIn. When she's not working, you can find her podcasting with her husband, exploring new hiking trails, photographing, and spending time with her family.
