AAO

“Part of my own personal staff” ~ David Noonan, Retired Chief Operating Officer

Client Profile:

The American Academy of Ophthalmology is an association of 30,000 medical eye physicians with approximately one-quarter of the membership being international. The mission of AAO is to advance the lifelong learning and professional interests of eye care specialists. This includes educating professionals to ensure that the public has access to the best eye care possible.

Client Challenge:

The challenge with our election project is two-fold:

1. Finding the right third-party vendor who understands our need to be “hands-off” and distance ourselves from the election process. We want to ensure members that leadership is not managing or influencing voting in any way.
2. Adhering to a strict schedule and set protocol for elections. Our bylaws prescribe a detailed and sometimes complicated schedule for nominating candidates and electing them to office.

SBS Solution:

AAO has relied on Survey & Ballot Systems (SBS) for election management since 1995. My first impression of SBS was a positive one. SBS was responsive and provided a bid that was price competitive and detailed oriented, showing me they understood our intricate and confidential election process. Their solution was a complete election management process that ensured a neutral party would facilitate the voting and provide outcomes. Furthermore, they guaranteed and certified their results.

Recently, we had an abrupt change in the management of our election project. I was asked to step in as a former officer to lead this project. SBS made this transition seamless. My SBS Account Manager provided absolutely stellar customer service and could not have been nicer about guiding me and my staff through this process. SBS created a fail-safe project management system that operated with precision. Whether it was supplying information, exchanging data or approving election materials, I was prompted through every-step and deadline. No surprises and flawless execution from a neutral party – exactly what we needed.

I was thrilled that SBS went the extra mile to make our election a success. I considered SBS as a vital AAO team member and my SBS Account Manager as part of my own personal staff.