Sal Martino, Ed.D., R.T.(R),
FASRT, FASAE, CAE

After 22 years at the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, with the last 13 serving as chief executive officer and executive director, Sal Martino, Ed.D., R.T.(R), FASRT, FASAE, CAE, has announced he will officially retire on Jan. 3, 2023.

Dr. Martino, who joined the ASRT staff in 1999 as director of education, leaves an impressive legacy in the medical imaging and radiation therapy profession, and the association management community. During his term as ASRT CEO and executive director, the Society experienced significant membership growth and financial stability, developed advanced career pathways, and spearheaded special projects that elevated and increased awareness of the profession.

“Serving as the CEO of the world’s largest radiologic science association has truly been an honor and a privilege,” said Dr. Martino. “I’m extremely proud to represent ASRT’s 157,000 members who work tirelessly as frontline essential heath care professionals and who are committed to providing patients with high-quality care. It has been incredibly rewarding, and I owe a special thanks to all of my colleagues who helped along the way.”

Known as a hands-on leader who puts the needs of members first, Dr. Martino set high expectations for his staff and built a culture rooted in hard work, open communication and positive feedback. His vision resulted in a highly successful Society that achieved series of impressive milestones:

• Membership grew from 130,446 in January 2009 to 157,787 in January 2022, a 20 percent increase.
• The Society completed a major expansion of its national headquarters in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and launched the 4,500 square foot ASRT Museum and Archives, which chronicles the history of ASRT and the radiologic technology profession.
• ASRT’s annual budget grew to more than $25 million with a significant increase in reserves (net assets) from $18.8 million in 2009 to $71.3 million in 2021. The reserves solidify the Society’s long-term financial viability, especially when confronted with unprecedented circumstances such as the current pandemic.
• The ASRT Foundation awarded more than $3.3 million in research grants and scholarships to its members during Dr. Martino’s tenure as Foundation CEO.
• The Society launched the ongoing ASRT National Library Partnership, which has presented more than $100,000 in grants to public libraries in every state in the nation to purchase books about medical imaging and radiation therapy.

According to current ASRT Chair of the Board of Directors Mike Odgren, B.S., R.P.A., R.R.A., R.T.(R)(CT), Dr. Martino’s leadership style is the key to the Society’s success. “When Sal speaks, people listen. His ability to look at situations from a high level, gather input from others and make informed decisions that are based on facts and data has benefited the ASRT, the profession, the Board and staff. He’s an incredible leader, mentor and person. He will be missed.”

Prior to joining ASRT, Dr. Martino had a 20-year career in academia at the City University of New York. An active ASRT volunteer who served on multiple boards, task forces and committees, he spent nearly a decade on the Board of Trustees for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and is a published author and researcher who has lectured extensively in the U.S. and abroad. His volunteer efforts were recognized in 2008 when he was elevated to ASRT Fellow.

He is also a highly respected leader in the association industry. Dr. Martino is a Fellow of the American Society of Association Executives and spent seven years on the ASAE Board of Directors in several leadership roles, including board chair. His service to ASAE and the association management profession was honored with an endowment from Webster, Chamberlain and Bean to establish the Sal Martino Legacy Grant for DEI (Diversity, Equality and Inclusion) Research through the ASAE Research Foundation.

“I’ve had a lot of mentors and collaborated with several different leaders, and I can honestly say Sal Martino is the best I’ve ever worked with,” said current ASRT President Kristi Moore, Ph.D., R.T.(R)(CT). “His passion for the profession, knowledge of association and business best practices, and commitment to ASRT members is a unique combination that makes him highly respected and effective. Adding to that, Sal is a great person, and it reflects in the fact that he truly cares for people. He’s taught me how to be a better leader, and I believe I can speak for many in thanking him for his lifetime service to our profession.”

ASRT’s next CEO will be announced sometime in the fall of this year. The ASRT Board of Directors has retained Cynthia Mills of Leaders’ Haven as its search consultant.