Dave Albertson, the editorial director of SourceMedias Healthcare Group, died on Sunday, November 24, from heart disease.
Dave, 55, leaves behind his wife, Doreen, and son, Josh, a sophomore at William & Mary.
To those who worked for Dave, he was a talented and gifted editor. To those who worked beside him, a smart and giving colleague. To everyone who knew him, a caring and giving friend.
He began his journalism career 30 years ago, writing for a number of publications including Physicians Financial News, Medical Laboratory Observer, and Medical Product Sales. He was named editor of Medical Product Sales in 1986.
Soon after, he joined Employee Benefit News and quickly rose through the ranks to editor-in-chief. Under Daves leadership, EBN became the dominant brand in the benefits space. He also established EBNs web presence and helped launch the Benefits Forum & Expo and other successful live events.
In 2002, he was appointed editorial director of the Benefit News Group, oversaw the launch of Employee Benefit Adviser and was an integral part of a number of brand extensions, including the groups move into editorial research and social media.
Ten years later, in 2012, Dave was named the editorial director for SouceMedias Healthcare Group, which, in addition to EBN and EBA, includes Health Data Management, Insurance Broadcasting and other titles.
Dave had a big presence and not just because of his size. (He stood 68, but the former college basketball player carried himself with the grace of an athlete.) His professional achievements were many and his staff won numerous editorial awards. He was an expert on health care, financial services, employee benefits, and legislative and regulatory affairs. And he was often invited to share his insights at various industry events.
But when asked to remember Dave, those who knew him best recalled his quick smile, his poise under pressure, and his ability to offer the right words of advice when they were needed most. He cared greatly for the people who worked for him. The words the staff used to describe Dave were mentor and friend.
Ralph Waldo Emerson once said: The purpose of life is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.
Dave touched many lives. He helped build a successful media group. He was honest and forthright. He challenged people. And he made those around him better.
Dave lived and lived well.
He will be greatly missed.
