On a sad note, ASA Executive Vice President Jerry Larkins passed away on December 27, 2006, after a long illness and surgery. “Jerry was an incredible leader for the ASA,” says Laurie Sanders, ASA Director of Communications and now its acting Executive V.P.  Beginning as the ASA’s membership director in 1999, Jerry advanced to the COO and then Executive V.P. in 2004. “He was instrumental in working to simplify and streamline the application and accreditation processes,” Saunders notes. “He was a tireless member advocate, and took the organization from a ‘loss’ position in 2004 to a position today of financial strength.

“Jerry had a special way about him,” she adds, “that touched people’s lives in a very intimate, emotional and spiritual way.” Cards may be sent to ASA International Headquarters at 555 Herndon Parkway, Suite 125, Herndon, VA 20170. In lieu of flowers, Jerry’s family requests contributions to: Capital Hospice (www.capitalhospice.org), the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington (www.gmcw.org), or Food & Friends (www.foodandfriends.org).