Leadership Bios

Stephen Sergay, MB BCh, President of the American Academy of Neurology

Stephen Sergay, MB BCh, was elected the 30th president of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) at its 59th Annual Meeting in Boston, April 28 - May 5, 2007. Sergay succeeds Thomas R. Swift, MD, who has completed his two-year term as president.

"It is an honor to preside over the world's largest group of neurologists," said Sergay. "In the next two years, we plan to build on the AAN's strong foundation and work to improve the standing of our profession, neurology education, and neurology patient care."

Sergay, a general neurologist practicing in Tampa, FL, has served the AAN in many positions since his membership began in 1976, including serving as vice president and member of the board of directors, chairman of Strategic Planning, and chairman of the AAN task force that led to the development of the consortium that created the United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties.

Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Sergay received his medical degree from the University of Witwatersrand Medical School and completed his residency at the Harvard Longwood program. Sergay was employed by the Lahey Clinic Foundation and now runs a private practice of five neurologists in Tampa.

"Dr. Sergay is an extraordinary visionary who has been involved in the strategic planning process of the AAN for decades," said Catherine M. Rydell, Executive Director and CEO of the AAN. "He will lead the AAN into new directions for the betterment of the patients and the profession."

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.

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.