The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) is pleased to welcome Michael DiFrisco, CAE, an association leadership veteran, as the next executive director of the 40-year-old Academy. He takes the place of retiring executive director, Barbara Kachelski, CAE, MBA, who has led the AACD for the past ten years.
American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Welcomes New Executive Director
A certified association executive, Mr. DiFrisco has spent nearly 11 years with the AACD first as director of membership & marketing and then as chief marketing officer. Prior to his tenure at AACD, he held marketing and publishing positions in two other large membership associations.
“We are fortunate to have Michael, as he already has an intimate knowledge of our Academy, its goals, and the direction in which it needs to be taken,” said AACD President Gregory Wright, DDS, FAACD. “The continuity that he will provide for the Academy and the professional staff is invaluable. [Former executive director] Barb Kachelski will be a tough act to follow, but Michael’s vision and experience will move us forward as an organization, and we are thrilled that he has taken this new position.”
“I am thrilled to be leading this amazing organization,” said Mr. DiFrisco. “We have a fantastic team of professional staff and a group of energetic and passionate leaders populating our boards and committees, and I’m looking forward to leading the team and advancing the mission of the AACD while focusing on member value and corporate culture.”
He will lead the executive office team and oversee the management and delivery of the AACD Annual Scientific Session, the premier esthetic dental conference, among many other duties. He will report to the board of directors.
Over the past decade, Mr. DiFrisco has spoken to audiences all over the world about dental branding and marketing, has been a frequent guest on dental podcasts, and often writes for industry publications. Anecdotally, his dad was a dentist in suburban Chicago, so he’s in familiar territory already.
About the AACD
The AACD is the world’s largest non-profit member organization dedicated to advancing excellence in comprehensive oral care, combining art and science to optimally improve dental health, esthetics, and function. Comprised of cosmetic dental professionals in 70 countries worldwide, the AACD fulfills its mission by offering superior educational opportunities, promoting and supporting a respected Accreditation credential, serving as a user-friendly and inviting forum for the creative exchange of knowledge and ideas, and providing accurate and useful information to the public and the profession.
