The American Geriatrics Society Transitions to New Leadership (2010)

When Linda Hiddemen Barondess informed the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) Board of Directors of her decision to retire after 27 years with the AGS, most as its Executive Vice President (EVP), the Board knew it had an enormous challenge and responsibility ahead. Much of the history of Ms. Hiddemen Barondess's contributions to AGS is reviewed in a tribute in this issue of the Journal. Her contributions have ranged from the purchase of the first AGS personal computer—considered an extravagance by some at the time—to somewhat risky but insightful strategic decisions, such as investing in the first edition of the Geriatrics Review Syllabus and more recently spearheading the effort to gain support for the Institute of Medicine Report Retooling for an Aging America: Building the Health Care Workforce. In May 2008, the AGS Board met with the Bridgespan Group to familiarize itself with the formal search process. This group previously consulted on implementation of the AGS's current strategic plan and thus was familiar with the AGS and its staff. In November 2008, Todd Semla, PharmD, then chair of the AGS Board, volunteered to chair the search and was unanimously approved by the Board. Dr. Semla recruited a multidisciplinary search committee consisting of current board members Sally Brooks, MD, and Keela Herr, PhD, RN; current chair of the AGS Public Policy Committee Peter Hollman, MD; current members of the AGS Foundation for Health in Aging's Board of Directors Jan Busby Whitehead, MD (Chair), Joe Ouslander, MD, and Jerry Johnson, MD; and previous AGS board members Terry Fulmer, PhD, RN (also JO, JJ, and JBW). This group also represented other AGS interests: Association of Directors of Geriatric Academic Programs (JBW) and the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society (JO). Between January and May 2009, the search committee, with input from the AGS Board, drafted a job description for the chief executive officer (CEO)/EVP position. A subcommittee of the search committee then interviewed experienced executive search firms and selected Korn/Ferry International to assist AGS with this critical process. Korn/Ferry first interviewed the members of the search committee and AGS staff to get a clearer impression of the nature of the Society, its operations, mission, and goals. They then transformed the draft job description into a position specification which included key responsibilities of the CEO/EVP: developing, updating, and executing the AGS's strategic plan planning short- and long-term goals consistent with the AGS mission and core values representing the Society's public policy priorities in collaboration with AGS leadership building upon the AGS's national reputation and public–professional image by acting as national spokesperson advocating for AGS members promoting AGS to current and prospective constituents Other important responsibilities include fiscal oversight, organizational management, attracting new members, board management, building organizational culture, and serving as a principal representative of AGS to external organizations, government, and the media. The search committee felt it imperative to the survival and success of geriatrics that the next AGS CEO/EVP be a person who could add a strong voice to the leadership and members of AGS in articulating a compelling case for the relevance and value of the field to improving health care in this country and that the individual have the experience and credibility to present this case to our professional colleagues; the American public; decision makers in the U.S. healthcare system; and health professional training, accreditation, and licensure organizations. Healthcare reform initiatives over the next 4 to 5 years will provide opportunities for geriatrics to assist in making significant advances in accomplishing this goal. The committee therefore focused on individuals with a strong external presence, extensive experience in aging and public policy, and a strong track record of management skills. In August 2009, after a preliminary search and discussions, Korn/Ferry conducted initial candidate screening and evaluations along with calls every other week with the committee chair. In addition to Korn/Ferry's efforts, members of the search committee, AGS Board, and membership, as well as friends and supporters of AGS suggested several potential candidates. Late in October, the search committee reviewed potential applicants and, after careful evaluation of their experience and personal profiles and intense discussions, selected seven candidates to interview. These seven candidates were interviewed over 2 days in early November. The interview process was a grueling but enlightening experience for members of the search committee. The interviews were approximately 90 minutes each and were conducted in a systematic and consistent manner based on questions developed by Korn/Ferry with input from committee members. The committee was impressed with all seven candidates, and after several hours of deliberation, two were selected to move forward for presentation to the Board with the recommendation that they have a second interview. The Board agreed, and the entire search committee and the AGS Executive Committee interviewed both finalists. Both candidates were unanimously deemed acceptable, with great confidence that they could fulfill the responsibilities outlined above, and were brought forward to the AGS Board for final selection. The board selected Jennie Chin Hansen as the Society's next CEO/EVP. Everyone involved is thrilled that Ms. Hansen accepted the position. On behalf of the entire search committee, we are grateful to the AGS Board of Directors and its membership for trusting us with this responsibility. We have every confidence that AGS will flourish, prosper, and advance its mission under her leadership. Welcome to the American Geriatrics Society, Jennie Chin Hansen. Respectfully, Todd P. Semla, MS, PharmD, BCPS, FCCP, AGSF Clinical Pharmacy Specialist U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Associate Professor, Departments of Medicine and Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences The Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University and Joseph G. Ouslander, MD Professor and Associate Dean for Geriatric Programs Charles E. Schmidt College of Biomedical Science, Florida Atlantic University Executive Editor, Journal of the American Geriatrics Society As a past AGS president and board chair and 20-year veteran on the JAGS editorial leadership team, I want to acknowledge that members of the AGS owe a debt of gratitude to Linda Hiddeman Barondess for making the AGS what it is today, to Korn/Ferry for helping us to identify an outstanding group of potential candidates capable of leading our organization, to members of the search committee who volunteered their time to undertake this critical endeavor on behalf of the Society and its leadership, and especially to Todd Semla, who spent untold hours and energy providing leadership, structure, and guidance for the entire search process. JGO Conflict of Interest: The editor in chief has reviewed the conflict of interest checklist provided by the authors and has determined that the authors have no financial or any other kind of personal conflicts with this paper. Author Contributions: This editorial was conceived and written by its authors. Sponsor's Role: None.