Urology community mourns AUA's Jim Gallagher

G. James Gallagher, who served as AUA's executive director for 18-plus years, died suddenly on Aug. 15 while vacationing in Delaware. Gallagher, who retired from AUA in July, led AUA to become the preeminent urologic education organization it is today, according to a statement on the AUA web site. Under his guidance, the association grew in budget, size and status.

Before joining AUA in 1987, Gallagher spent 23 years with Williams & Wilkins, a Baltimore-based medical publisher. He received a BA degree from Loyola College and his MBA from the Colgate Darden School of Business (University of Virginia).

Gallagher was active in various professional associations, including the American Society of Association Executives, National Library of Medicine, American Association of Medical Society Executives, and the Greater Washington Society of Association Executives.

"Jim never wanted to be the face of the organization," Mike Pretl, AUA's general counsel, told the Baltimore Sun. "He let the doctors do that and always let others take the credit. He never wanted the spotlight, even though everyone here knew he ran the show."

He is survived by his wife, Suzanne, two daughters, Christine and Kate, three grandchildren, and his sister Kitty.