The ACOEM professional staff manages day-to-day operations and supports the vision and mission of the organization.
Chief Executive Officer
Bill Bruce, MBA,CAE
+1 847-818-1800
bill@acoem.org
Bill is responsible for the overall operations of ACOEM's headquarters. He works closely with the ACOEM President, Board, and staff to ensure that ACOEM is true to its mission, vision and strategic inventory. Bill has nearly two decades of experience in executive roles for medical societies. Bill earned his MBA from the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland and is also an ASAE Certified Association Executive.
Customer Experience Ambassador
Sandra Cruz
+1-847-818-1800
sandra@acoem.org
Sandra’s primary focus is on providing outstanding customer service and support for inquiries related to membership and educational activities. She works collaboratively with all departments to streamline and improve the member experience and ensure customer satisfaction. Sandra has over 20 years of association, account management, and customer support experience.
Manager, Membership
Elizabeth DeWolfe, CAE
+1 847-818-1800 ext. 1379
elizabeth@acoem.org
Elizabeth is responsible for developing, advancing, and enhancing educational, networking, and career development opportunities for ACOEM members. She is a liaison to volunteer committees, task forces, and interest groups, helping guide them in meeting annual strategic goals. She is the primary ACOEM contact for Components and Sections. Elizabeth holds a BA in English Literature from Western Illinois University.
Director, Publications
Marianne Dreger, MA
+1 847-818-1800 ext. 1368
mdreger@acoem.org
Marianne oversees the communications and publications team and is responsible for editing ACOEM's monthly newsletters, position papers, and guidance statements. She is the lead administrator of the Guidance for the Medical Evaluation of Law Enforcement Officers website and LEO task force. She also manages special projects for the Board and is the liaison for various councils. Marianne holds a BA from Mundelein College and an MA from Northeastern Illinois University.
Director, Governance
Lucy Free
+1 847-818-1800 ext. 1373
lucy@acoem.org
Lucy comes to ACOEM with over 10 years of association experience. She serves as the liaison to the House of Delegates, Board of Directors, Executive Committee and other committees and councils. She works collaboratively with Leadership to provide effective communication and coordination and oversees the Volunteer Appointment program.
Manager, Industry Relations
Janet Fyock
+1 847-818-1800 ext. 1364
jfyock@acoem.org
Janet is responsible for ACOEM's industry / sponsor outreach and partnership development and management. She builds relationships with industry partners and secures sponsorships for various College events, and manages advertising and exhibit sales for the annual meeting, the American Occupational Health Conference (AOHC). Janet holds a BA in International Relations and French from Michigan State University.
Senior Accountant
Hajra Galaria
+1 847-818-1800 ext. 1376
hajra@acoem.org
Hajra is part of the accounting team and is responsible for preparing and reporting accurate monthly financial statements. Additionally, she is responsible for ensuring GAAP compliance and external audits. Hajra holds a BS in Finance and Management from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Manager, Publications
Sharon Gustafson
+1 847-818-1800 ext. 1387
sgustafson@acoem.org
Sharon manages ACOEM's newsletters and subscriptions, and administers the Guidance for the Medical Evaluation of Law Enforcement Officers website. She also oversees special projects and is the assistant liaison for the Communications Department for various councils. Sharon is an alumna of the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Director, Education
Heather Hodge, M.Ed.
+1-847-818-1800
heather@acoem.org
Heather joined ACOEM in July 2020 with over 14 years of professional experience in continuing education with an emphasis on analysis of learner needs; design, development and implementation of effective educational interventions; and evaluation. She earned her Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Adult Education and Training from Colorado State University.
CRM Data Analyst
Dana Kelly, MS
+1 847-818-1800 ext. 1314
dkelly@acoem.org
Dana's main responsibilities include managing the ACOEM database and providing reports and analytics. She manages system integrations across ACOEM's digital assets. Dana holds an MS degree in Kinesiology/Sport Management from Western Illinois University.
Coordinator, Education
Nathalie Lacour
847-818-1800 ext1300
nlacour@acoem.org
Nathalie is part of the education team and possesses a wealth of knowledge about ACOEM programs and history. Her primary responsibilities include ACOEM's Joint Provider program, MOC Part 4, support of live courses, and ACCME PARS and ABPM MOC recordkeeping.
Manager, Programs
Julie Ording, MPH
+1 847-818-1800 ext. 1362
jording@acoem.org
Julie is the staff liaison to the Council on OEM Practice which focuses on workers' compensation issues and OEM competencies. She is responsible for ACOEM's Practice Guidelines, Excellence in Corporate Health Achievement Award, and promoting function-based treatment protocols in partnership with the American Psychological Association. She also helps lead the International Occupational Medicine Society Collaborative (IOMSC) as part of ACOEM's global promotion of OEM. Julie holds an MPH from the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health.
Communications Strategist
Charlie Peckman
+1-847-818-1800
charlie@acoem.org
Charlie joined ACOEM's Engagement Team in 2020. He has a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from the University of Iowa as well as a Certificate in Entrepreneurial Management. Charlie brings experience in social media communication, PR, and marketing.
Director, Engagement
Erin Ransford
+1 847-818-1800 ext. 1591
erin@acoem.org
Erin manages Membership, Marketing, and Customer Service. She oversees strategic projects, process improvements, and innovation at the College, and manages OEHF. Erin has over 15 years of medical association experience. She holds a BS in Public Health with a concentration in Health Administration as well as a Certificate of Business Foundations and a minor in psychology from Indiana University.
Director, Finance & Operations
Gabriela Uquillas, MBA
+1 847-818-1800 ext. 1375
guquillas@acoem.org
Gaby is responsible for maximizing the return on financial assets by establishing financial policies, procedures, controls, and reporting systems. She also ensures legal and regulatory compliance for all accounting and HR functions. Gaby oversees finance and human resources as well as contract management for ACOEM vendors. She holds a BS in Accounting from the University of Illinois at Chicago and an MBA with a concentration in Accounting from North Park University.
eLearning Specialist
Nicole VanMersbergen, M.S.Ed.
+1 847-818-1800
nicole@acoem.org
Nicole joined the ACOEM team in 2021 and will serve as the primary manager of the College's Learning Management System (LMS). Nicole contributes to the development, delivery, and technical direction for ACOEM’s on-demand and online education, including live webinars. She brings a plethora of education experience and holds masters degrees in elementary education and instructional technology from DePaul University and Northern Illinois University, respectively.