SAA expands its leadership with expertise ranging from spondyloarthritis research and drug development to global technology and consumer engagement.
ENCINO, Calif., Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Spondylitis Association of America (SAA) today announced the appointment of Dr. Joerg Ermann and Rob Levine to its Board of Directors, bringing together expertise spanning spondyloarthritis research and clinical care, early drug development, global business strategy, technology, consumer engagement, and organizational growth.
The appointments come as SAA continues to expand its reach and impact on behalf of the more than 3.2 million Americans living with spondyloarthritis, including its efforts to improve disease awareness, address diagnostic delays, strengthen patient education and support, and connect more people with the resources and care they need.
"These appointments expand the range of ideas, experiences, and connections available to SAA as we look toward the next chapter of our organization," said SAA CEO Cassie Shafer. "We are excited to see how Joerg and Rob's expertise can help us reach more people, create greater impact, and ultimately serve the spondyloarthritis community better," Shafer added.
Dr. Joerg Ermann brings extensive experience as a rheumatologist, physician-scientist, researcher, and leader in the field of spondyloarthritis. Dr. Ermann recently joined Johnson & Johnson, where he works in early drug development. A native of Germany, Dr. Ermann received his MD from the University of Leipzig. Following a postdoctoral fellowship in immunology at Stanford University and an internal medicine residency at the University of Tennessee Memphis, he completed his rheumatology training at Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) in Boston, MA. He subsequently joined the faculty at BWH and Harvard Medical School. Dr. Ermann's research has focused on disease mechanisms relevant to spondyloarthritis to better understand the biology of these diseases. He is also a past Chair of SPARTAN (Spondyloarthritis Research and Treatment Network).
Rob Levine currently serves as Senior Director, Worldwide Accessories, AppleCare and Beats at Apple. His previous leadership roles include Chief Revenue Officer at RED Digital Cinema and Senior Vice President, Global Sales & Market Operations at Jawbone. Earlier in his career, he held leadership positions with Dell and Motorola. Across these roles, Levine has built and expanded worldwide retail channels, developed carrier and strategic partnerships, driven market expansion, and built high-performing teams. Levine's experience offers SAA a perspective that extends beyond traditional healthcare and nonprofit leadership, particularly in areas such as consumer engagement, brand growth, strategic partnerships, innovation, and reaching audiences in new ways.
About the Spondylitis Association of America
Founded in 1983, the Spondylitis Association of America is the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to educating, empowering, and advocating for people living with spondyloarthritis. SAA provides education, advocacy, support, and research initiatives aimed at improving patient outcomes and advancing treatment.
For more information about SAA, visit www.spondylitis.org
Media Contact
Jason Blackwell, Spondylitis Association of America, 1 8183039183, [email protected], www.spondylitis.org
SOURCE Spondylitis Association of America
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