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It feels especially meaningful to stand before you here in Chicago as I begin this presidential term. This city is where my journey with ACOEM began 26 years ago, at the University of Illinois, at the very start of my occupational medicine residency. I can still picture that moment when Dr. Linda Forst handed each of us a membership application – yes, a paper application – and encouraged us to complete it.
She told us something simple, but powerful: ACOEM is your specialty college. This is where you will find the very best educational opportunities, and where you will meet people who truly understand what you do – and with whom you will build lasting friendships.
That is exactly what happened.
In fact, my very first AOHC was right here, in this very hotel, 24 years ago. At that time, I could not have imagined standing before you today in this role. And yet, that is the power of this organization – it sees potential in us before we see it in ourselves. It shapes careers, fosters lifelong relationships, and opens doors we didn’t even know existed.
What began for me as a simple introduction became something far more profound – a professional home. A community that has shaped my career, clarified my purpose, and grounded my sense of belonging. To now serve this community as your President is a privilege I carry with deep humility and immense pride.
As I look ahead, I want to share three priorities that will guide our work together in the coming year.
First, transparency through communication. I want every member to feel informed, heard, and connected. Your voice matters. Your perspective matters. And I mean that sincerely. I invite you to reach out to me directly at president@acoem.org—with your ideas, your concerns, and your aspirations. I am here to serve you.
Second, enhancing our nimbleness. Both the Board and the College must be able to respond – and anticipate – the evolving needs of our profession. The world around us is changing rapidly, and we must be equally agile and forward-looking in how we lead.
Third, developing an updated strategic plan. One that brings clarity, alignment, and vision to where we are going. A plan grounded in action, with clear priorities and measurable outcomes. One that ensures ACOEM continues to lead with purpose and relevance in an increasingly complex environment.
With a disciplined focus on these priorities, we will position ACOEM to do what matters most:
to pursue residency stability, to advocate for meaningful and impactful federal policies, to engage thoughtfully and responsibly with emerging technologies like AI, and to strengthen how we connect, collaborate, and grow as a professional community.
In the year ahead, we will also welcome a new Executive Director and continue to build on our financial foundation. We will do this with a shared commitment to stewardship – because ACOEM is a collective force for good. One that protects workers, strengthens workplaces, and advances the environments in which people live and thrive.
Along this journey, I have come to appreciate an important truth: while we have the capacity to solve many challenges, we cannot solve everything. There is wisdom in that. It allows us to focus intentionally on where we can make the greatest impact.
I will close with a challenge.
Each of you has the power to strengthen this community. I ask that you expand in one way how you engage with ACOEM – whether through mentoring, submitting your name for a council position, presenting at the virtual summit or at AOHC 2027 in Austin, representing your component or section at the HOD, acting as an ACOEM ambassador, applying for fellowship, running for the board, or bringing in a new member to engage, contribute, and help carry our collective work forward. Our growth depends on your energy, your ideas, and the next generation of leaders.
The future of this College is hopeful – because of you.
And together, we will shape ACOEM. Thoughtfully. Clearly. And boldly.
Thank you!