The APHA Gerontological Health Section is pleased to have this opportunity to extend its deepest appreciation to Steve Albert for his significant contributions to the Section for his role as editor of the Section Newsletter. In this role, Steve has greatly expanded members’ access to critical public health information across the nation that affects the lives and well-being of older adults. We congratulate Steve on the publication of his new book, and wish him continued success in his scholarship and academic life.

In the transition of leadership, Steve has very graciously introduced Mary Beth Morrissey to the role of editor. Mary Beth, who has been serving as subeditor under Steve’s stewardship since 2008, has been appointed to a two-year term as editor.

Mary Beth is affiliated with the Fordham Ravazzin Center on Aging, New York, and is a Faculty Fellow at the Brookdale Center on Aging of Hunter College, New York. She has earned degrees in law and public health, and is a doctoral candidate in gerontological social work at the Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service. Mary Beth recently won the New York State Society on Aging Award in Doctoral Research for her research paper entitled, “Pain and Suffering in the Frail Elderly: Palliative Care and Relational End-of-Life Decision Making.” Her research interests are in health and mental health policy, palliative and end-of-life care, and the phenomenology of pain and suffering of frail elderly persons. Mary Beth is very excited about assuming the role of editor of the newsletter, and hopes to bring an interdisciplinary perspective to her new responsibilities.

You may contact Mary Beth at mamorrissey@fordham.edu or mmorriss@hunter.cuny.edu to make contributions for upcoming issues of the newsletter.