It is an incredible honor to be recently confirmed as the EVP/CEO for the CHEST organization. As a 23-year veteran of CHEST, I have had the privilege of working with and for many of our leaders, volunteers, and members. Being only the fifth person to lead the organization in an executive leadership role is both humbling and invigorating. CHEST is a dynamic and innovative organization, with a mission to “champion the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of chest diseases through education, communication, and research.” That mission resonates deeply with me on a personal level, because my mother had COPD. Toward the end of her life, I saw firsthand how it impacted her quality of life and her ability to be a mother and grandmother, and I also saw the important role her pulmonologist and re
Stephen J. Welch
I am both fortunate and grateful to have such a phenomenal professional staff to work with here at CHEST and to have the outstanding leadership of our Presidents, Past Presidents, Boards, Committees, and NetWorks – all of which have been tremendously supportive during the past 9 months as I filled the Interim EVP role. I am also deeply grateful to those of you who choose to be members and Fellows of CHEST and to be engaged as volunteer leadership, faculty, content experts, authors, and more. It is your time, energy, involvement, and vision that make this organization what it is. The fact that you choose to give some of your valuable time toward helping CHEST achieve its mission and vision is so greatly appreciated by all of us in this organization. Thank you for all that you do for CHEST.
In recent years, the College has continued to realize the following significant achievements:
1. Growth of our educational programs in simulation, skills training, and procedures;
2. The building and of our new global HQ and Innovation, Simulation, and Training Center;
3. An increasingly global footprint as we deliver education to our physician and advance practice provider members and nonmembers in the US and around the world;
4. Increasing development of digital publications and essential content, such as our journal; CHEST®, CHEST-SEEK ™ products, e-learning modules, evidence-based guidelines, and more that can be served up to anyone on any device;
5. Growth and maturation of our CHEST Foundation and its research and service awards;
6. Expansion of patient education initiatives and materials;
7. Development of a data warehouse that will allow us to serve our members and partners more effectively; and
8. Far too many more achievements to list here.
Since taking on the EVP/CEO role, I’ve been asked what do I consider my primary responsibilities to be. I think this is best summed up by Rick Moyers, in The Nonprofit Chief Executive’s Ten Basic Responsibilities (BoardSource, 2006). In it, he outlines the executive’s responsibilities as follows:
1. Commit to the mission.
2. Lead the staff and manage the organization.
3. Exercise responsible financial stewardship.
4. Lead and manage fundraising.
5. Follow the highest ethical standards, ensure accountability, and comply with the law.
6. Engage the board in planning and lead the implementation.
7. Develop future leadership.
8. Build external relationships and serve as an advocate.
9. Ensure the quality and effectiveness of programs.
10. Support the board.
These 10 basic responsibilities provide the framework and foundation for how I plan to serve as EVP/CEO of CHEST. In many cases, I’ve been doing much of this as a senior executive at CHEST for the past 23 years, and I look forward to continuing to build on that foundation.
I am also often asked what my vision for the organization is, as its new EVP/CEO. And my answer is simple: to ensure that the American College of Chest Physicians stays relevant in this environment of change and disruption, that it continues to fulfill its mission, and that members, leadership, volunteers, and staff work together, make a positive impact on patient care, and, ultimately, have fun doing the good work of CHEST. This organization has an outstanding reputation, legacy, and brand. I will do everything I can to maintain and improve upon those key attributes.
It is my ultimate responsibility to ensure that we operationalize the educational programs and activities that align with the strategic plan and achieve the organizational goals of CHEST, which have been set by your Boards and Committees. I look forward to proudly and humbly serving as the CHEST evangelist and advocate to our members, patients, partners, and sister societies. I look forward to hearing from you, our members, about how CHEST is doing, and how we can continue to meet – and exceed – your educational and professional needs.