With the departure of former International Hearing Society (IHS) Executive Director Cindy Helms, the Board of Governors is pleased to welcome Kathleen Mennillo to the top operational position effective May 1. Following Helms' announcement that she would be stepping down, the IHS Executive Committee and General Counsel conducted a comprehensive campaign to identify the best qualified candidate. Their search resulted in the appointment of Mennillo, who has served as the Society's Education Manager since May 2009.
IHS President Chris Gustafson, BC-HIS, ACA, commented that Mennillo stood out from the other job candidates. "Kathleen has demonstrated her many talents and abilities while serving the Society as its Education Manager. I am confident that she will take on the duties and responsibilities of Executive Director and do an outstanding job in leading the Society in the years to come," he said.
Helms says she is delighted with the choice of Mennillo and is confident that she's leaving IHS in the best of hands. She and Mennillo worked together to ensure a seamless transition that will keep operations moving forward without interruption.
Mennillo brings extensive experience in association management. As Education Manager for IHS she led education program development, market analysis, and continuing education initiatives. Prior to joining the IHS team she worked as New Product Development Leader at the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) in Dearborn, Michigan.
Sandra Marshall, Senior Policy Associate with the Corporation for a Skilled Workforce and a professional colleague of Mennillo states, "Kathleen embodies the effervescence, warmth, and sincerity that allow her to work effectively with boards and membership groups. She makes a point of understanding the background of a situation, calling the right people, and organizing the value they bring. This results in great partnerships and innovation that many people talk about, yet few attain. During these economic times, having access to talent that understands both the people side and the financial side of the equation is an imperative."
Ed Salek, Executive Director of the Society of Tribology and Lubrication Engineers (STLE) who has known Mennillo just less than a decade comments, "Complementing her many skills such as strategic thinking, operational management and member relations are her commitment to the highest standards of ethics and accountability. Attributes every organization needs and expects from its executive director in today's world."
Mennillo graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in the fields of Business Administration, Communications, and Political Science from the University of Michigan-Dearborn in 1998, and completed her Masters of Business Administration at Davenport University in 2006.
Asked about her vision for IHS, Mennillo commented, "I look forward to collaborating with industry partners to continue to position IHS as the membership and educational leader for hearing healthcare professionals. Exploring growth opportunities and providing value-added solutions to our members and consumers are of the utmost importance and will be my focus."
About IHS
IHS is a professional association representing hearing healthcare providers worldwide. Founded in 1951, it has a long history of steadfast dedication to promoting and maintaining the highest possible standards for its members in the best interests of the hearing impaired it serves. Visit the IHS website at www.ihsinfo.org.
