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Chapter 9 THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF SANITARIANS
The history of the American Academy of Sanitarians began in November 1956, when the Sanitarians Joint Council (SJC) had its organizational meeting at the APHA Con vention in Atlantic City, New Jersey. At that time, the individuals comprising the SJC were representatives from three associations whose membership embraced the majority of sanitarians in the country. These organizations were: the American Public Health Association (APHA), the International Association of Milk and Food Sanitarians, later named the International Association of Milk, Food and Environmental Sanitarians (IAMFES), and the National Association of Sanitarians (NAS) later called the National Environmental Health Associaltion (NEHA).
The SJC Charter dated November 14, 1954, had five basic objectives and purposes:
1. Development of a uniform definition for "sanitarian." 2. Promotion of the professional status of the sanitarian." 3. Development of a Sanitarian Specialty Board.
4. Development of a recommended uniform law for the registration of sanitarians. 5. Development and promotion of the educational and other qualifications for the sanitarian.
These five objectives formed the cornerstone for the creation of what later became the American Academy of Sanitarians.
After several years of work by the SJC, a plan was developed for the CERTIFICA TION of sanitarians which was acceptable to the three sponsoring associations. This plan was accepted by the Council on October 5, 1964 and embraced, in principle, the first four objectives in the SJC Charter. This action created the American Inter-Society Board for the Certification of Sanitarians. The first officers were:
Chairman: Vice Chairman:
Harold S. Adams A. Harry Bliss William V. Hickey B. Russell Franklin
Secretary: Treasurer:
At the October 20, 1965 meeting of the Board, it was decided to change the name from "The American Inter-Society for Certification of Sanitarians" to "The American Intersociety Academy for the Certification of Sanitarians" (AIACS).
The Academy was formally incorporated in the State oflndiana on March 14, 1966.
In order to get The Academy started, each of the three associations loaned The Academy $1,000 interest free. This was repaid in a little over two years.
The twelve founding members constituting the Board were: Harold S. Adams, A. Harry Bliss, Emil T. Chanlett, E.E. Diddams, B. Russell Franklin, Larry Gordon, William V. Hickey, William C. Miller, Jr., A. Faegin Parrish, Verne C. Reierson, Edwin L. Ruppert, Darold W. Taylor. A category of "Founder Diplomate" was incorporated in the original bylaws for those professional sanitarians who had at least 12 years acceptable experience, five of which were in responsible charge of work and who met all the other requirements and whose applications were received before December 30, 1968. In 1975 the AIACS
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