The American Society of Radiologic Technologists Board of Directors has selected Melissa B. Pergola, Ed.D., R.T.(R)(M), FASRT, as the Society’s new chief executive officer and executive director. Dr. Pergola will take over the top post of the world’s largest radiologic science organization upon the retirement of current CEO and Executive Director Sal Martino, Ed.D., R.T.(R), FASRT, FASAE, CAE, on Jan. 4, 2023.

Dr. Pergola is currently ASRT’s associate executive director where she oversees the Society’s governance, government relations, professional practice and meetings and conferences functions.

“We chose Dr. Pergola as she thoroughly understands the ASRT, its members and the radiologic technology profession,” said ASRT Chair of the Board Kristi Moore, Ph.D., R.T.(R)(CT). “Her radiologic technology experience combined with her educational background, volunteer history, work in corporate settings and leadership skills make her an outstanding choice to lead the Society into the future.”
The Board selected Dr. Pergola following six months of work by a search committee comprised of Board members and an ASRT senior staff executive. Cynthia Mills of The Leaders’ Haven served as the search consultant. The competitive process included a nationwide search, thorough reviews of each candidate and multiple rounds of interviews. The committee offered Dr. Pergola the position in early July, and she accepted shortly after.

Dr. Pergola is a registered radiologic technologist with an extensive career in clinical practice, radiologic science education, hospital operations and leadership roles. She also has more than 25 years of experience as a volunteer for the ASRT, North Carolina Society of Radiologic Technologists and various other organizations.

Before joining the ASRT staff, Dr. Pergola worked at Siemens Healthineers for six years as a competency management development specialist and global human resources people and leadership development specialist. In her role as competency management development specialist, she created strategies to hire, onboard and develop new employees. She also led the Employee Distress Index Team for the Education and Workforce Solutions Division. The team’s purpose was to create a strategy for measuring, preventing and combating employee distress. In addition, she assisted the global team with implementation of an employee engagement platform, which increased leadership’s ability to communicate with employees and build a more inclusive workplace. She was an invited member to the Siemens Healthineers Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council where she worked with Siemens Healthineers nine Employee Resource Groups to create and implement strategies to promote and celebrate diversity.

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