Sue (Sheehy) Bessner Email & Phone Number

As director of Education and Research oversees all educational programs (in-person and virtual) for the heart and lung transplant community, ensuring high-quality, impactful content. Works closely with volunteer on content development. Focus on collaboration with other societies. Has increased the reach of education content to other learners outside of ISHLT community. Annual meetings have grown post-covid. ISHLT is a multi-disciplinary society that provides education to all members of a heart or lung transplant team. Has worked to ensure that the society is offering content to all the society's professional communities. Maintains ISHLT’s accreditation with ACCME. Has put in place several new processes to ensure the society is compliant with ACCME Standards including the implementation of a COI Management Committee that mitigates COI Disclosures. ISHLT Foundation: Responsible for all research grants given through the ISHLT Foundation. Since its formation in 2022, the Foundation has funded over one million dollars in research grants. Worked closely with Grants Committee on a policy and procedures document that guides the development of new grants, review processes, funding regulations and involvement of industry supporters.

Chicago, Il

Association professional with over 20 years experience in membership, meetings, professional development (including CE content development) and research. Uses extensive association research background to ensure data based decisions are made. Extensive experience working with volunteer board of directors, councils and committees.In current position, uses research to analyze the learning and practice needs of dental hygienists. Continually review data to determine topics of interest to dental hygienists that can be developed into course content. Manages and oversees the development, implementation, and evaluation of current and future learning products and services. Webinars were introduced as a new content vehicle in 2017 resulting in highest attended CE ever produced by the association (average registration is 1,200). In October of 2019 will implement a learning management system that will allow the association to greatly increase CE offerings and will also provide an additional stream of non-dues revenue. Revamped the Annual Conference including CE format and the introduction of a new pricing structure that has resulted in an increase in attendance. Responsible for the development and execution of the continuing education approval process and recognition program and maintenance of CE policies and procedures. Oversees the development, execution, and evaluation of ADHA research programs and services (including peer reviewed Journal of Dental Hygiene), ensuring that goals of association and members are being met. Administer the functions and operation of the division including the supervision and evaluation of personnel. (Professional Development is the largest division within the association). Prepare, implement and supervise the division budget and related expenditures to insure revenues and expenses align with strategic plan.

An expert in multi-client management. Responsible for the research initiatives of thirty small to medium sized associations. Focus on software user groups and healthcare associations clients. Clients totaled 43 percent of total department budget. Directed and supervised association event research. Built this area so it represented 60 percent of total market research budget. Led all phases of research projects from writing of proposal to presentation of results. Proficient in questionnaire development, report writing, analysis of data and presentation results to staff and association leaders.Conducted numerous qualitative research projects. Responsible for script development, conducting interviews both over the phone and in-person panels and generation of reports.Educated association staff and board of directors on the value of data based decision making using member research. Led to member research being included in strategic planning for major clients.Worked closely with association teams, volunteer committees and board of directors. Developed strong client relationships with both internal staff as well as association volunteers.Educated Marketing and Communications Service Unit on the ROI of target marketing efforts through segmentation of membership. Led to targeted marketing for association events based on research of key segments of an association (job responsibility, years in industry, geographic location, etc.). Responsible for preparation of annual corporate budget for all clients. Proactively follow client budgets throughout the year to ensure they are on track. Consult with clients on budget exceptions for unplanned work and work that is out of scope.Hired, supervised, evaluated and provided direction to staff assigned to projects. Managed up to five associates. Mentor/coach junior staff. Responsible for career road mapping and yearly reviews. Coordinated and managed external resources, vendors and independent contractors.