American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO) Welcomes Three New Staff Members

1/16/2003

From: Katherine Egan Bennett of ASTRO, 703-502-1550; e-mail: katherineb@astro.org

WASHINGTON, Jan. 16 -- The American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO) is pleased to announce the addition of three new staff members in the Government Relations and Healthcare Policy and Economics Departments. The growth in staff reflects the Society's expanding role as the premier radiation oncology association.

Brad Gruehn brings many years of non-profit advocacy experience to ASTRO in his role as Government Relations Representative. As a key player in ASTRO's lobbying efforts, Mr. Gruehn will be responsible for influencing legislative and regulatory initiatives affecting cancer policy (specifically radiation oncology), payment, research and treatment. Mr. Gruehn comes to ASTRO from the American Hospital Association, where he served as Assistant Director of Advocacy and Member Communications. Prior to AHA, Mr. Gruehn worked at the National Association of Realtors, the American Association of Airport Executives and as a Senior Legislative Assistant to Rep. Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.).

Roshunda Drummond joins ASTRO as a Government Relations Coordinator. She recently completed an internship with U.S. Rep. Sonny Callahan (R-Ala.) where she researched and tracked numerous legislative issues and served as a legal advisor to Rep. Callahan. Ms. Drummond recently completed her law degree at Southern University Law Center and is a member of the Alabama Bar. At ASTRO, Ms. Drummond will assist in the development of legislative and regulatory analysis and activities.

After spending five years at the American College of Radiology, Trisha Crishock joins ASTRO as the Assistant Director of Healthcare Policy and Economics. In that capacity, Ms. Crishock is responsible for monitoring and analyzing radiation oncology economic policy issues within Medicare and Medicaid programs. She is charged with keeping ASTRO members abreast of all regulatory issues that will impact their practice of medicine, particularly those emanating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. In addition, Ms. Crishock has served as a Congressional Fellow for U.S. Sen. James Jeffords (I-Vt.) and former U.S. Sen. Paul Simon (D-Ill.).

"Brad, Roshunda and Trisha each bring specialized skills to ASTRO that will help us strengthen the services we provide, and I am delighted to welcome them to the team," said Laura Thevenot, Executive Director of ASTRO. "I believe that a knowledgeable, experienced staff will help us better advocate for those involved in radiation oncology. With these excellent additions, ASTRO is now positioned to increase the scope of our government relations and healthcare policy activities to better serve our members."

The American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology is the largest radiation oncology society in the world, with 7,000 members who specialize in treating patients with radiation therapies.