Tara L. Azzano Appointed Executive Director of ASDS

Ms. Azzano was a longtime ASDS staff member. 

The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), the largest organization in the U.S. dedicated solely to dermatologic surgeons, announced the appointment of Tara L. Azzano as Executive Director, according to a news release. 

Ms. Azzano brings with her over two decades of experience within ASDS, having served in various capacities since 2002, including Director of Education, Research and Meetings, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Development Officer. In her new role, Azzano will also oversee the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association (ASDSA), a not-for-profit association dedicated to education and advocacy for dermatologic surgeons and their patients.

“After interviewing many search firms and meeting well-qualified applicants with diverse backgrounds, the ASDS/A Executive Director Search Task Force – led by Immediate Past President Vince Bertucci, MD, FRCPC, President-Elect Kavita Mariwalla, MD, and myself as current President – overwhelmingly decided to select our Interim Executive Director Tara Azzano to fill the position permanently,” said ASDS/A President Seth L. Matarasso, MD, in the news release. “Ms. Azzano has almost a quarter of a century’s worth of experience with ASDS/A, and her institutional knowledge of our Society is unprecedented. Equally as important is her passion and dedication to our organization. I am confident that Ms. Azzano is the ideal candidate for this position. Speaking on behalf of the entire Board and membership, I am excited to work with her and look forward to her many creative ways to further strengthen our Society.”

In her new role, Azzano will provide strategic leadership and executive management, overseeing a staff of 20 individuals to achieve the organization's mission. She will focus on enhancing ASDS/A's credibility in diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering strategic relationships, and meeting financial and operational objectives.

Expressing her enthusiasm, Azzano emphasized the evolving landscape of dermatologic surgery, citing challenges such as reimbursement issues, prior authorizations, and physician burnout. 

“I am truly thrilled to have been chosen as the next Executive Director and to continue to share my passion for dermatologic surgery," she said. "While working for ASDS/A for the past 22 years, I have come to fully understand our organization's core values and strategic goals. Dermatologic surgery as a specialty is constantly growing and evolving. As an organization, we must advocate for our specialty, continue to be innovators and introduce new ideas, programs and services to help our members navigate the changing climate. I am excited about what the future holds for ASDS/A and its members. I sincerely look forward to spearheading our journey towards a new era of success and working with the membership, staff and the Board to empower our organization further.”