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Delmar J. Stauffer RSNA Executive Director: A Tribute¹

¹ From the Radiological Society of North America, 820 Jorie Blvd, Oak Brook, IL 60523.

Index terms: Radiological Society of North America • Special Communications

What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal.

Albert Pine

Delmar J. Stauffer, the much admired and highly respected Executive Director of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), passed away suddenly as the result of a heart attack on March 1, 2000. Del's 11-year tenure with the RSNA has left the Society stronger in all aspects—membership, finances, and ongoing projects to improve radiologic science, technology, and education.

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A beloved visionary who led by example, Del oversaw the construction of the Society's new headquarters building in Oak Brook, Illinois, as well as the construction of the only healthcare exhibit at Disney's Epcot Center, Radiology: Medicine's New Vision, and the development of the ACR-RSNA public information Web site Radiology Info (formerly, Radiology Resource).

Deeply committed to the Society's mission of research and education in the radiologic and allied sciences, Del oversaw the expansion of the RSNA Education Center, the expansion and restructuring of the Research and Education Foundation, and the opening of the Office of Research Development.

In 1997, under Del's direction, the RSNA joined with the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) to plan for the future of effective integration of the array of information and images that will deliver healthcare into the 21st century. This initiative, called Integrating the Healthcare Enterprise (IHE), has become an integral part of the Society's annual Scientific Assembly.

Del, who also held a seat on the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau Board of Directors, was dedicated to his responsibilities as the Society's director. In 1997, concerned about the effect of the rising costs of labor and downtown hotel accommodations on the RSNA Scientific Assembly, he was instrumental in developing a series of measures—lower hotel room rates, more hotel space, and lower labor costs—that have made Chicago a more attractive location for the largest medical meeting in the world. These developments will enable the Society to continue to hold the annual Scientific Assembly in Chicago until at least the year 2010, bringing in an estimated $94 million in annual revenue to the city.

Del was born in Saybrook, Illinois, in 1939, and received both his Bachelor's Degree in Health Education and Biology and his Master's Degree in Health Education from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. He also completed all required course work for a doctoral degree. Del began his career as a science teacher before entering association management with an application to the AMA in 1970. Before joining the RSNA as Executive Director, Del was the Executive Director of the Chicago Dental Society for 3 years, and he was with the American Dental Association for 15 years, 8 as the Assistant Executive Director.

A man of great integrity and vision, Del earned the respect of the worldwide radiology community, as well as the admiration and loyalty of his entire support staff. Inherently fair and compassionate, Del was an exemplary leader who encouraged and fostered team effort and served as a mentor to many.

On a very personal note, I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Del during the 7 years I have been on the RSNA Board. He was both a colleague and a good friend. Del had the unique ability to get things accomplished; nothing was impossible or even too difficult. He never said "No" to projects championed by the many volunteers who have helped to make the RSNA a successful organization. Del's response was always, "We can do that." He was only interested in results, not personal credit. "Playing politics" was never a consideration. Straightforward, honest, open-minded, intelligent, hardworking—these attributes define his dealings with everyone, from the Chairman of the Board to the RSNA staff. He loved the RSNA and has been a major contributor to its success.

On behalf of the Board of Directors and the entire membership of the RSNA, I extend our deepest sympathies to Del's beloved wife, Mary; his two sons, Andrew and Matthew; and his daughter-in-law, Audrey.

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