The Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF) hosted an open house June 29, 2011, at AAOS headquarters in Rosemont to thank Gene R. Wurth for his service as the foundation’s chief executive officer from September 2000 through June 2011, and to celebrate milestones achieved during his tenure.

“Gene Wurth guided OREF through some rough waters and leaves it poised for further growth,” said William P. Cooney III, MD, past president of OREF’s board of trustees. “We appreciate all Gene’s efforts and wish him well.” Mr. Wurth has accepted the position of executive director of the American Dental Association Foundation in Chicago.

Under Mr. Wurth’s direction, OREF expanded its offering of research and educational grants and awards, notably by introducing the Clinician Development Program to facilitate industry support of fellowships, CME courses, and residency enhancement programs. In addition, since 2000, OREF has welcomed 28 orthopaedic partner organizations to its designated giving program, bringing the total number of orthopaedic partners to 50, and has increased membership in the Alfred R. Shands Jr., MD Circle giving society for major donors to more than 600 members.

“OREF is grateful for Gene’s leadership and the ways he has invigorated giving from orthopaedic surgeons and orthopaedic industry,” said S. Terry Canale, MD, OREF board president. “OREF now funds three times the number of grants and awards that it used to. Our mission has been well served.”

“My time with OREF and all that the organization has accomplished these past 10-plus years has been very gratifying,” Mr. Wurth said.

Sharon Johnson is the OREF communications director; she can be reached at johnson@oref.org