American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Digital Transformation | System Selection and Implementation

OVERVIEW

The American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM), based in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, is an international society of over 4,000 occupational physicians and associated professionals. ACOEM provides leadership to promote optimal health and safety for workers, workplaces, and environments. 

When Bill Bruce, MBA, CAE, took the helm as Chief Executive Officer, he prioritized technology as a critical element of ACOEM's strategic vision. The association's outdated systems were hindering efficiency and member satisfaction, necessitating a comprehensive digital transformation to modernize and align its operations. 

Bruce brought extensive experience from his previous roles, including Chief Technology Officer at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and Chief Information Officer at the American Psychiatric Association. To ensure success, Bruce enlisted .orgSource for expert guidance on this ambitious project. 

The Challenge

Undertaking a comprehensive digital transformation for associations involves more than upgrading software—it requires strategic planning and cultural alignment.  

 

ACOEM's objectives included: 

  • Upgrading software for association management, finance, and workflow analysis. 
  • Rolling out Office 365. 
  • Implementing a new phone system. 
  • Developing a member-focused online experience. 

 

ACOEM's existing systems had reached the end of their lifecycle, and inefficiencies were hampering operations. Members and staff required modern tools and seamless access to services, necessitating a bold approach to digital transformation. 

The Solution 

.orgSource collaborated with ACOEM to define a strategic roadmap and guide the transformation process.  

Key initiatives included: 

  • Identifying systems and vendors tailored to ACOEM's needs. 
  • Documenting requirements and negotiating contracts. 
  • Overseeing implementations, integrations, and testing. 
  • Conducting research, surveys, and interviews to ensure member needs were met. 

A significant milestone was the implementation of ACOEM's first association management system (AMS). This system streamlined operations, improved data management, and enhanced member engagement through single sign-on functionality. 

The website redesign was another critical success. .orgSource worked closely with ACOEM to create a user-friendly platform that aligned with strategic goals. Features such as improved search functionality and automated integrations with the AMS reduced staff workload and provided better tracking of member activities. 

The Results

The transformation delivered measurable success: 

  • An 8% increase in website visits. 
  • A 30% boost in traffic. 
  • Seamless member experience with single sign-on functionality. 
  • Simplified access to online learning activities and automated tracking of continuing education credits. 
  • Gold Awards from Marcom and Hermes for the new website design. 

By automating manual processes and enhancing member engagement, ACOEM empowered its team to focus on strategic initiatives. Bill Bruce emphasized the importance of collaboration and learning throughout the process, ensuring all staff took ownership of the transformation. 

 

"We now have the tools to support our mission effectively," said Bruce. "This transformation was not just about technology—it was about positioning ACOEM for long-term success." 

Are You Ready to Elevate Your Association to New Heights with a Future-Ready Partner?

Contact .orgSource today to learn how they can help you unlock growth, build resilience, and achieve excellence for your organization.