The Department of Internal Medicine is pleased to introduce Anni Thorn as the newest member of the administrative team. Among her many responsibilities, as administrative services coordinator, Thorn will provide primary support for the department vice chairs, oversee the department’s incoming and outgoing mail, and coordinate department-sponsored events such as Internal Medicine Research Day and Employee Appreciation Day. She will also provide backup coverage for Sherry Mattison, Executive Assistant to the Interim Chair. Thorn’s first day with the department was Monday, October 2.

Most recently, Thorn served as lead pastor for the First Presbyterian Church in Marengo, Iowa. Previously, she developed training manuals and program curriculum standards for pastoral staff at City Church of San Francisco in California. In each of these positions, she oversaw intricate administrative work such as managing large and complex budgets, as well as acting as a community leader both in and out of the parishes. This work included providing conflict management and counseling services for those in need, including couples, families, and individuals in the LGBTQ community.

“As I was considering my next step in my career, my non-negotiable was that my work had to be meaningful and that the organization and team that I work alongside was making a difference in the world. In conversation with the Chair and her team, I saw that Internal Medicine was the place that I desired to be to support all the amazing work being done. I am excited to join such a great organization and play my part!” Outside of work she says her “home life entails my lovely husband, Jason, and two fur babies, who run my life.”

“Anni has a distinct skill set that will suit academic medicine well and has extensive experience serving diverse and vulnerable populations throughout her work history,” said Denise Zang, MBA, FACMPE, clinical department administrator. “We are so pleased to have her join our team.”