Leadership Bios

Robert C. Griggs, MD, FAAN, President of the American Academy of Neurology

Robert C. Griggs, MD, FAAN, was elected the 31st president of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) at its 61st Annual Meeting in Seattle, April 25–May 2, 2009. Griggs succeeds Stephen M. Sergay, MB BCh, FAAN, who has completed his two-year term as president.

"It is an honor to serve as president of the world's largest association of neurologists," said Griggs. "During my two-year term, we plan to capitalize on the Academy's strong foundation to promote the highest quality neurologic care for patients, while enhancing member career satisfaction so that we are indispensible to our more than 21,000 members."

Griggs, a Professor of Neurology, Medicine, Pathology, and Laboratory Medicine and Pediatrics at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in Rochester, NY, chaired the American Academy of Neurology Education Committee and served as Editor-in-Chief of the journal Neurology® for 10 years. He has also received numerous awards for teaching, including the AAN's A.B. Baker Award for Lifetime Achievement in Neurologic Education.

Griggs is an internist/neurologist specializing in neuromuscular diseases with a focus on experimental therapeutics. A member of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Science, Griggs has published more than 300 scientific papers and 19 texts related to medicine and neurology.

"Dr. Griggs is a visionary and has made extraordinary contributions to the field of neurology. His decades of leadership with the Academy and the respect of his peers position him well to lead the organization," said Catherine M. Rydell, CAE, Executive Director and CEO of the AAN. "The AAN relies on outstanding continued leadership as we look ahead toward furthering research and treatments for the neurology patient and professional."

Catherine M. Rydell, Executive Director/CEO, American Academy of Neurology

Catherine M. Rydell has been the American Academy of Neurology's (AAN) Executive Director since February 1999. Based in St. Paul, MN, the AAN is a worldwide professional association of more than 20,000 neurologists and neuroscience professionals dedicated to providing the best possible care for patients with neurological disorders.

Since joining the AAN, Rydell has focused on strengthening advocacy and coalition-building efforts, increasing staff development, improving communication with members, and implementing the strategic plan. Other accomplishments include increasing educational offerings and creating a for-profit subsidiary to help support new member services. Prior to joining the AAN, Rydell served as Executive Director of the North Dakota Medical Association. From 1984 through 1996, Rydell served as a state representative in the North Dakota State Legislature where she chaired the House Human Services Committee and the House Education Committee. Rydell has a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of North Dakota.

The American Academy of Neurology, an association of more than 20,000 neurologists and neuroscience professionals, is dedicated to improving patient care through education and research. A neurologist is a doctor with specialized training in diagnosing, treating and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system such as Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and stroke.