The man who helped unify chiropractic associations in Pennsylvania and in New Jersey has been named to help unify the chiropractic profession.

Gene Veno, executive vice president of the Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association, has been appointed president and CEO of the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress, a nonprofit organization established by Foot Levelers’ president Kent Greenawalt.

In November 2003, Greenawalt launched a national public relations initiative by gaining the support of state associations, colleges and the media. The initiative — which spawned the formation of the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress — gained momentum and in January 2005 at the Parker Seminars in Las Vegas, Greenawalt unveiled the first phase of the Foundation’s work — research into the need for chiropractic unification.

Veno’s appointment represents the start of the next phase — developing a national media campaign and “taking it home” to practicing chiropractors.

“I am honored to have been asked to assist with the next phase of the Foundation,” Veno told Chiropractic Economics. “This is going to be exciting and challenging, but the rewards will be awesome when we begin to unveil the media campaign.”

Veno mediated the unification of six diverse New Jersey chiropractic associations into the Association of New Jersey Chiropractors. The unification vote took place in January 2004.

“Now that my work is complete in New Jersey, I felt a need to do more for the profession,” he said. “The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress will allow me to work with many state association directors so that we can unify the profession nationally behind one common cause.”

One of the first tasks facing Veno will be to take the message to the masses. “My goal is to have [marketing materials] in hand within the next six months,” he said.

Additionally, Veno will be speaking at scheduled events and talking with state association directors, chiropractic suppliers and colleges. He said, “We all have to understand that creating this foundation will take time and commitment by all of us associated with the profession. I want [everyone] to participate … Together we will impact the future of chiropractic care in this country.”

Veno will be guided by a board of directors that represents all facets of chiropractic. They include Dwayne Bennett of Foot Levelers, vice president; and board members Joseph Doyle, president and CEO of Chiropractic Economics; Don Peterson, Dynamic Chiropractic; and J. Michael Flynn, DC, who has led the American Chiropractic Association’s National Chiropractic Legal Action Fund (NCLAF). Additional board members will be announced in the future, according to Veno. Additionally, Veno will convene an advisory board of venders.

Stepping aside from an active role in the foundation, Greenawalt will serve as founder emeritus.

The Foundation’s new office is at 1335 N. Front St., Harrisburg, PA 17102. Its Web site will be up within 30 days, says Veno. The domain is www.foundation4cp.com. His e-mail address will be gveno@foundation4cp.com.